"Angelica's Law," designed to crack down on suspended license driving, nears passage in Albany

MEDFORD, N.Y. -- A Long Island mother who never gave up the fight for a law in her daughter's memory is approaching the finish line.

"Angelica's Law" would make it a felony to drive in New York state with five or more license suspensions.

Dawn Nappi is heading to Albany on Wednesday for its likely passage.

It has been 15 years since Nappi's daughter, Angelica, perished in a crash with a driver who blew through a red light after his license had been suspended seven times.

"There was a slap on the wrist consequence for the offender," Nappi said.

He was jailed for just four months. Nappi lobbied for harsher consequences for those who drive after repeated license suspensions. Angelica's Law will make it a felony to drive with five or more, instead of the current 10.

However, there have been roadblocks. The legislation has been introduced in Albany repeatedly, but has never passed.

"The fact this has taken 15 years blows my mind because no one should be driving with a suspension, period," Nappi said.

Opponents didn't want suspensions included that drivers can rack up for financial reasons, like failure to pay taxes or child support.

But lawmakers have seen ironed out their differences. Angelica's Law passed the Assembly unanimously last week. Nappi was invited to attend what she hopes will be it passage in the Senate.

"She's a grieving mom. So many years later she is finally getting to witness this bill pass and it's being named after her daughter," said state Sen. Kevin Thomas, a Democrat who represents Garden City.

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