Colorado lawmakers want to increase penalties for careless driving
Lawmakers are debating a measure that would increase penalties for careless driving. The aim is to hold negligent drivers accountable. Senate Bill 25-281 changes the penalty for careless driving that causes the death of an individual from a class 1 misdemeanor traffic offense to a class 6 felony if the individual had a prior conviction of vehicular homicide, criminal negligent homicide with a motor vehicle, vehicular assault, or careless driving resulting in serious bodily injury.
The mandated penalty of a class 6 felony would also apply if the negligent driver:
drove without a valid license
drove without a valid insurance policy
had a prior conviction of DUI in the last 5 years
has a revoked license
The bill also mandates that an officer test the driver for drugs and alcohol as soon as possible to preserve related evidence.
Class 6 felonies are the least serious category of felony crimes in Colorado. If convicted, a person could serve one year to 18 months, along with fines up to $100,000.
If passed, the bill would take effect on April 1, 2027.
The bill's prime sponsors are State senators Marc Snyder, a Democrat from Manitou Springs, and Republican State Senator John Carson from Highlands Ranch.
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