New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

New York Senate Bill S08018

Introduced
5/15/25  

Caption

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.

Impact

The implementation of CJ's law would have a significant impact on state traffic laws by elevating the consequences for drivers failing to report fatal accidents involving minors. This change intends to emphasize the importance of accountability on the road, particularly when vulnerable members of the population are involved. Proponents of the bill believe that the heightened penalties will discourage negligent behavior and promote safer driving habits.

Summary

Bill S08018, known as 'CJ's law', aims to amend the vehicle and traffic law in New York by increasing the penalties for drivers who leave the scene of an accident where the result involves the death of a minor. The bill establishes that such violations will be classified as a class C felony, which carries a fine of no less than four thousand nor more than eight thousand dollars, alongside any other penalties prescribed by law. This legislative effort seeks to create a stronger deterrent against hit-and-run incidents, particularly those resulting in the tragic loss of young lives.

Contention

There may be discussions and debates surrounding the implications of such heightened penalties, particularly regarding the fairness of imposing class C felony charges versus existing misdemeanor charges. Critics might argue that the increased penalties could disproportionately affect individuals who may not have malicious intent but still commit violations out of panic or confusion in traumatic situations. The legislature may face questions about whether the bill provides a balanced approach to justice that serves both victims and accidental offenders adequately.

Companion Bills

NY A04210

Same As 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.

Previously Filed As

NY A07093

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.

NY A03126

Enacts Seth's law relating to increasing penalties for leaving the scene of an incident without reporting.

NY S05861

Increases the penalty for leaving the scene of an accident without reporting to a class E felony.

NY A03810

Prohibits the taking of zoo, petting zoo, carnival or circus animals; provides that violations shall be punishable by a fine of not less than five hundred dollars nor more than two thousand dollars.

NY S00561

Increases the penalties for leaving the scene of an accident involving an electric scooter without reporting in the second degree and leaving the scene of an accident involving an electric scooter without reporting in the first degree.

NY A01679

Increases the penalties for leaving the scene of an accident involving an electric scooter without reporting in the second degree and leaving the scene of an accident involving an electric scooter without reporting in the first degree.

NY S06051

Increases penalties for leaving the scene of an accident involving a death.

NY A06520

Increases penalties for leaving the scene of an accident involving a death.

NY A08372

Provides that the theft of benefits contained on an electronic benefit transfer card shall be a class D felony punishable by a fine of ten thousand dollars.

NY S01246

Increases the penalties for leaving the scene of an accident involving an electric scooter without reporting in the second degree and leaving the scene of an accident involving an electric scooter without reporting in the first degree; provides increased penalties for leaving the scene of an accident involving a wheeled non-motorized means of conveyance without reporting in the first and second degrees when the vehicle involved is a bicycle with an electric assist system.

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