![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of causing the death of another, while negligently operating a motor vehicle with a suspended, revoked, or otherwise withdrawn license, from a misdemeanor to a Class E Felony.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 Invites Nominees for 2018 "Women of Distinction"
February 14, 2018
![](/sites/default/files/styles/760x377/public/article/main-image/woman_of_distinction.png?itok=kDsB-jD-)
Senator Bonacic Meets with School Board Members in his Albany Office
February 13, 2018
![Senator Bonacic is pictured with (L-R), Kevin Tuhy of the Greenwood Lake School Board, John Redman, President of the Florida Union Free School District, Brian LaTourette of the Downsville Central School Board, Stacey Sharoff, President of the Sullivan County School Boards Association, Robert Curran of Ulster BOCES, and Patrick Rausch of Ulster BOCES.](/sites/default/files/styles/760x377/public/article/main-image/school_boards.jpg?itok=Xeo1OUm_)
![Senator Bonacic is pictured with advocates from the Association of Community Living, including Nolly Climes, President of Rehabilitation Support Services in Orange County (far right, green hat).](/sites/default/files/styles/760x377/public/article/main-image/assciation_of_community_living.jpg?itok=t8lk1o9o)