Indiana House Bill HB1138

Indiana 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/6/22
• Refer: 1/6/22

Caption

Speeding.

Impact

This legislation aims to enhance public safety by imposing stricter penalties on reckless driving behavior, particularly protecting vulnerable road users such as pedestrians and school children near buses. The bill introduces specific measures whereby juvenile courts are required to recommend the suspension of driving privileges for minors found guilty of such offenses. Additionally, it mandates that any fines imposed on juveniles causing bodily injury during reckless driving be directed toward child advocacy funds, which could help in supporting protective services for children involved in such cases.

Summary

House Bill 1138 addresses issues related to reckless driving by amending existing statutes in Indiana's criminal law and procedure. The bill specifies that a person who operates a vehicle recklessly by driving more than 24 miles per hour above the posted maximum speed limit commits a Class C misdemeanor. This escalates to a Class A misdemeanor if the reckless driving causes bodily injury, and it can progress to more severe felonies depending on the consequences of the actions, such as injuries or fatalities resulting from the reckless driving behavior. The bill also extends its provisions to juvenile offenders, emphasizing penalties and consequences that impact their driving privileges.

Contention

Discussions surrounding HB1138 highlight a balance between pursuing public safety and the need for equitable treatment of juvenile offenders. Some stakeholders express concerns over the rigidity of the penalties and their potential impacts on young drivers, arguing it may not take into consideration the varying circumstances that led to the infraction. Supporters argue that enhancing penalties for reckless driving is essential for discouraging dangerous driving behavior and thereby improving overall road safety. The potential financial implications of increased fines and suspensions on families of juvenile offenders also represent a point of contention among legislators and advocates.