Bill > SB1736

This bill, known as the "James Bardsley Life Protection Act," amends Tennessee law to increase penalties for leaving the scene of an accident. Specifically, it elevates the offense of leaving the scene of an accident where there is an injury from a Class A misdemeanor (a less serious criminal offense) to a Class E felony, which carries more severe penalties. Furthermore, it raises the penalty for leaving the scene of an accident when the person knew or should have known that a death resulted from the accident from a Class E felony to a Class D felony, also a more serious criminal classification. These changes are intended to strengthen protections for individuals involved in accidents and are set to take effect on July 1, 2026.