Senator Bonacic Announces Passage of "Teresita's Law": Legislation to Increase Penalties on Those Who Drive Negligently

(Albany, NY)- State Senator John J. Bonacic (R/C/I-Mt. Hope) announced today that legislation that he sponsors, S.2081, has passed the Senate. The legislation would create felony level sanctions when an unlicensed individual negligently causes the death of another person while operating a motor vehicle.

In 2012, Teresita Solano was killed in the City of Middletown by an individual who was negligently operating a motor vehicle with a suspended license. Currently, state law says that that individual can only be convicted of a misdemeanor and sentenced to a maximum of thirty days in jail. This legislation recognizes that unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle, which ends negligently in the death of an individual, should be treated as a more serious crime. It grants prosecutors broader discretion to seek a State prison term for the aggravated unlicensed operation which results in someone's death.

“I’m pleased that the Senate has once again passed this legislation, and I urge the Assembly to follow suit,” said Senator Bonacic. “This bill would remedy an inconsistency in state law, and make those who negligently operate a motor vehicle with a suspended license and in the process, kill someone, accountable for their actions.”

The bill has been sent to the Assembly.