Panel backs tougher penalties for hit-and-run causing serious injury; House Bill 42 advances

Representative Scott Smith told the committee House Bill 42 seeks to close a gap in Wyoming law that can leave drivers who flee the scene of a crash criminally liable only for petty traffic offenses rather than felony charges when their actions result in serious bodily injury or death.

"On page 2, you will see one of the most controversial things you'll hear in the house, ... 'knowingly,'" Smith said, explaining the bill distinguishes cases where a driver knowingly leaves the scene in circumstances that result in severe harm. Senator Sherry Steinmetz, speaking on definitions and penalties, told members the bill steps up penalties for different degrees of bodily injury.

Torrington Chief of Police Matt Johnson recounted two hit-and-run incidents in his community since 2021 in which pedestrians were struck, left "broken and dying in the roadway," and the drivers fled. "The amendment that we're proposing would change the hit-and-run statute to include drivers that did not have intent to cause the injury, but did have intent to leave the scene," Johnson said, adding it would make the offense a felony if serious bodily injury or death results.

Wyoming Highway Patrol Administrator Colonel Tim Cameron and others testified in support, saying the change would help prosecutors and law enforcement hold fleeing drivers accountable. Representative Wiley moved to reinsert previously stricken language — "upon conviction" — on page 2, line 11; the committee adopted the motion and later approved the bill as amended by roll-call vote: 8 ayes, 1 excused.

The sponsors said they plan to carry the measure to the House floor.