Committee advances 'Jimmy's Law' after family and cycling‑safety testimony
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Summary
The Judiciary Committee voted 19–0 to advance HB 15‑21, a bill increasing penalties for hit‑and‑run crashes that cause injury or death, after victims' family members and cycling groups urged stiffer mandatory minimums to reduce incentives to flee.
The House Judiciary Committee on Wednesday advanced HB 15‑21, known in testimony as "Jimmy's Law," which raises penalties for leaving the scene of a crash that causes injury or death.
Representative Stevens presented the bill and the committee heard two minutes of public testimony from Kim Webb, who described how current penalties can create an incentive to flee, and William Anderson, who read a statement from Ian Gray of the Harpeth Bicycle Club recounting recent local fatalities and urging mandatory minimums and stronger accountability. Webb said the change is intended to realign incentives so that motorists stop, call for help and face consequences if they flee. Anderson and the cycling community asked lawmakers also to emphasize driver education about vulnerable road users.
After testimony, the committee voted to send HB 15‑21 to finance, ways and means, 19–0. The sponsor said the bill increases penalties for leaving the scene when there is injury and establishes separate, enhanced penalties when a death occurs; supporters argued the law aims to ensure victims receive timely aid and to deter flight.
Next steps: HB 15‑21 moves to the finance committee for consideration of fiscal impact and potential amendments before further floor action.