ATLANTA (March 5, 2013) – The State Senate passes Senate Bill 116, sponsored by Sen. Curt Thompson (D-Tucker), strengthening penalties for vehicular homicide by a vote of 32-18.
“I was appalled by the incident that happened in Gwinnett County where a woman and her baby in a stroller were ran over by a vehicle backing up repeatedly over them, eventually killing the baby,” said Sen. Thompson. “Many people in Senate District 5 walk to work and for recreation, and by increasing the maximum penalties for vehicular homicide, we could potentially deter more tragedies like the one that inspired this legislation.”
Senate Bill 116 increases penalty for vehicular homicide under most circumstances from a misdemeanor to a misdemeanor of a high and aggravated nature. This change will increase the maximum fine from $1,000 to $5,000, and the judge is not given the statutory discretion to allow the sentence be served on weekends.
Senate Bill 116 now travels to the House of Representatives
RELEASE
For Immediate Release:
March 5, 2013
For Information Contact:
Jennifer Yarber, Interim Director
Kate Greer, Broadcast Specialist
Kate.Greer@senate.ga.gov
404.656.0028