MOVING VIOLATIONS

CAUSING DEATH OR SERIOUS INJURY

House Bill 4314 as introduced

Sponsor:  Rep. Sam Singh

Committee:  Criminal Justice

Complete to 4-20-15

SUMMARY:

The bill specifies that the penalties currently in law for a moving violation that causes the death of another person or that causes serious impairment of a body function to another person would be triggered when a person commits a moving violation while operating a vehicle upon a highway or a frozen public lake, stream, or pond or other place open to the general public, including, but not limited to, an area designated for the parking of motor vehicles.

House Bill 4314 amends the Michigan Vehicle Code.  Currently, a moving violation that causes the death of another person is a misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment for not more than one year and/or a fine of not more than $2,000.  A moving violation that causes the serious impairment of a body function of another is also a misdemeanor and is punishable by no more than 93 days in jail and/or a fine not to exceed $500.  The new language being added, italicized above, is identical to that used in the reckless driving statute.

MCL 257.601d

FISCAL IMPACT:

Given that the bill doesn’t change existing penalties or fines, or create new penalties or fines, the bill would not have any new fiscal impact.    

                                                                                        Legislative Analyst:   Susan Stutzky

                                                                                                Fiscal Analyst:   Robin Risko

■ This analysis was prepared by nonpartisan House Fiscal Agency staff for use by House members in their deliberations, and does not constitute an official statement of legislative intent.