BILL ANALYSIS
By: Bonnen
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE
Current law provides that a driver involved in an accident resulting in injury or death is required to stop at the scene of the accident and remain at the scene to give information and render aid. Failure to do so is punishable by imprisonment in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice for not more than five years or confinement in county jail for not more than one year and/or a fine not to exceed $5,000. Under current law there is no difference in the penalty if the accident caused minor injuries or serious bodily injury or death. Major and minor accidents are punished equally.
House Bill 1840 increases the penalty for not stopping and rendering aid for accidents that result in death or serious bodily injury.
RULEMAKING AUTHORITY
It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, department, agency, or institution.
ANALYSIS
House Bill 1840 amends the Transportation Code to provide that an offense for not stopping or not complying with requirements following an accident involving personal injury or death that results in death or serious bodily injury is a felony of the third degree. An offense that does not result in death or serious bodily injury is punishable under current statute.
EFFECTIVE DATE
September 1, 2007.