Enacts "CJ's law" in relation to increasing the penalties for leaving the scene of an accident without reporting where such accident resulted in the death of a minor to a class C felony punishable by a fine of not less than four thousand nor more than eight thousand dollars in addition to any other penalties provided by law.
NEW YORK STATE ASSEMBLY MEMORANDUM IN SUPPORT OF LEGISLATION submitted in accordance with Assembly Rule III, Sec 1(f)
 
BILL NUMBER: A7093
SPONSOR: Sayegh
 
TITLE OF BILL:
An act to amend the vehicle and traffic law, in relation to increasing
the penalties for leaving the scene of an accident without reporting
where such accident resulted in the death of a minor
 
PURPOSE:
This legislation will enact CJ's Law, which increases the penalties for
leaving the scene of an accident. without reporting where such accident
resulted in the death of a minor.
 
SUMMARY OF SPECIFIC PROVISIONS:
Section 1 sets what the act shall be known and may be cited as.
Section 2 amends paragraph c of subdivision 2 of section 600 of the
vehicle and traffic law, as amended by chapter 497 of the laws of 2022
to add additional language outlining that any injury from leaving the
scene of a car accident without reporting where such accident results in
the death of a minor shall constitute a Class C Felony punishable by a
fine of not less than four thousand dollars nor more than eight thousand
dollars in addition to any other penalties provided by law.
Section 3 sets the effective date.
 
JUSTIFICATION:
This legislation is named after Christopher Jack "CJ" Hackett, who was a
16year-old Yonkers native who was tragically killed as the result of a
hit-and-run while riding an electric scooter in August 2022 by an
alleged drunk driver.
Children are among the most vulnerable members of our society, and their
deaths leave lasting scars not only in their families but also in their
communities, schools and friend groups. By increasing the penalty for
leaving the scene of an accident without reporting where such accident
resulted in the death of a minor, we can send a strong message that this
behavior will not be tolerated in New York State. We can also provide a
deterrent effect and discourage individuals from leaving the scene of an
accident, while providing justice for the family and friends of the
victims, who deserve to see those responsible for their child's death
held accountable for their actions.
Furthermore, this bill can help protect other innocent people on the
road, as drivers who leave the scene of an accident without reporting
may continue to drive recklessly and put others in danger. With the
possibility of increased penalties, we can help prevent future accidents
from occurring and protect our communities.
 
PRIOR LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
New Legislation
 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:
None to the state.
 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect six months after it shall have become a law.