Connecticut House Bill HB06298

Connecticut 2013 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/29/13
• Refer: 1/29/13

Caption

An Act Eliminating The Statute Of Limitations For Certain Motor Vehicle Offenses Resulting In The Death Of A Person.

Impact

If enacted, HB06298 would fundamentally alter the prosecutorial landscape regarding motor vehicle-related fatalities. By removing the statute of limitations for these offenses, the bill aims to provide a continuous opportunity for law enforcement and prosecutors to take action against alleged offenders, thus promoting accountability for drivers involved in fatal incidents. This legislative move is crafted to enhance victims' rights and acknowledge the lasting impact of motor vehicle deaths on victims' families.

Summary

House Bill 06298 proposes the elimination of the statute of limitations for specific motor vehicle offenses that result in the death of a person, notably manslaughter in the second degree with a motor vehicle and misconduct with a motor vehicle. The bill seeks to amend section 54-193 of the general statutes, allowing for indefinite timeframes in which legal action can be taken against individuals accused of these serious offenses. This change is positioned to ensure that offenders cannot evade justice due to the passage of time, allowing the legal system to pursue cases that might otherwise be dismissed after a certain period.

Contention

The proposal could raise discussions about the implications of removing the statute of limitations. Critics may argue that such a change could lead to challenges concerning the fairness of trials conducted many years after an incident has occurred, when evidence may be harder to obtain and witness testimonies may fade. Conversely, proponents of the bill suggest that the severity of offenses resulting in death warrants the absence of a time limit, emphasizing the need for victims' families to have the option of pursuing justice regardless of when the incident occurred.