Bill > H1553

This bill, known as the Russell "R.J." Potter Act, amends existing Massachusetts General Laws concerning motor vehicle homicide by establishing a new penalty for operating a vehicle recklessly or negligently in a public place, or a place accessible to the public, that results in another person's death. Specifically, it introduces a mandatory minimum sentence of 2 ½ years and a maximum of 20 years in state prison for such offenses, with no possibility of suspension, probation, parole, or furlough until at least one year of the sentence is served, though limited temporary releases for specific emergencies or work programs are permitted. The bill also makes technical amendments to cross-references within the law to incorporate this new provision.