![Senator Headshot](/sites/default/files/styles/4_3_small/public/760x377-Bonacic_0.jpg?itok=zW6wH7aI)
Senate Passes Teresita's Law to Protect New Yorkers: Assembly Needs to Act!
March 9, 2016
(Albany, NY)-State Senator John J. Bonacic (R/C/I-Mt. Hope) is pleased to announce that his bill, S.1600, has passed the Senate. The bill, known as “Teresita’s Law,” would elevate the charge of causing the death of another, while negligently operating a motor vehicle with a suspended, revoked, or otherwise withdrawn license, from a misdemeanor to a Class E Felony.
This legislation was introduced in honor of Teresita “Grace” Solano, who was killed in Middletown, New York, when she was hit while crossing a street by a negligent driver who was operating a vehicle with a suspended license. The driver’s license had been previously suspended multiple times, and he had charged with possession of marijuana, however under the current law he could only be charged with a misdemeanor, which carries a maximum jail sentence of 30 days and a $500 fine.
“When a driver with a suspended license kills another person, he or she must be held accountable for their actions,” said Senator Bonacic. “Those who drive without valid licenses should not be on the road, and when they kill an innocent person they cannot walk away with only a slap on the wrist. It is past time that the Assembly move to pass this bill, and I urge them to vote on it immediately.”
The bill now moves to the Assembly
Share this Article or Press Release
Newsroom
Go to NewsroomSenator Bonacic Visits Tuxedo Park Nature Preserve
October 25, 2016
![Senator Bonacic tours the Tuxedo Park Nature Preserve with (L-R), Tuxedo Park Mayor Mary Jo Guinchard, and Tuxedo Park resident Chiu-Yin Hempel.](/sites/default/files/styles/760x377/public/tuxedo_nature_preserve.jpg?itok=yKrnkuIf)
Senator Bonacic Attends Center for Discovery Harvest Festival
October 24, 2016
![Senator Bonacic is pictured with Michel Nischan who was presented the Green Shovel Award.](/sites/default/files/styles/760x377/public/michel_nischan.jpg?itok=bmgeJDOM)