Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Vehicular Crime topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Committee adopts substitute to toughen penalties in fatal hit-and-run cases
Summary
The committee adopted a substitute for HB 84 that establishes mandatory minimum prison terms (two years and five years in aggravated cases) for hit-and-run crashes causing death or serious injury and reported the bill by substitute after victim testimony.
The committee adopted a substitute to House Bill 84 that adds mandatory minimum sentences for certain hit-and-run offenses involving death or serious bodily injury.
Under the substitute described by the clerk, the bill amends RS 14:100 (hit-and-run driving). It creates a two-year mandatory minimum when death or serious bodily injury results, the driver knew or should have known an injury occurred, the driver's vehicle was directly involved, and the victim was a pedestrian or bicyclist. A five-year mandatory minimum would apply in the same circumstances when the driver has a prior conviction for specified prior offenses (DWI, vehicular homicide, negligent injuring or similar offenses).
Victims and family members urged passage. Holly Crowe, whose daughter was killed in a hit-and-run on March 29, 2025, said the bill "restores accountability," describing multiple recent fatal hit-and-run incidents and saying current penalties create an incentive to flee. Melissa Kennedy, a survivor of a fleeing drunk driver, also urged tougher laws. The committee adopted the substitute (3,270) and reported HB 84 by substitute with no recorded objections.
The bill now advances to the House floor for further consideration.
