Rhode Island bill sets minimum 10-year prison sentence and driver's license revocation for leaving the scene of a fatal accident

Original title: AN ACT RELATING TO MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES -- ACCIDENTS AND ACCIDENT REPORTS -- THE MATTHEW O'GARA ACT OF 2026 (Increases the penalties for a first offense of leaving the scene of an accident resulting in death to a minimum 10 years in incarceration, a minimum of $10,000 and a minimum license revocation of 10 years.)

Last action · April 9, 2026: Committee recommended measure be held for further studySponsors: David Tikoian and 9 others

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What This Bill Proposed

Rhode Island S 2310 establishes stiffer mandatory minimum penalties for a first-time offense of leaving the scene of an accident resulting in death, requiring at least 10 years of , a $10,000 fine, and a 10-year driver's .

Why it matters

Drivers convicted of a first-time offense face mandatory long-term imprisonment, substantial financial penalties, and a decade-long loss of driving privileges, shifting criminal penalties for fatal hit-and-run incidents.

Who It Would Have Affected

Groups the bill's text would have affected, as described in the record. Being affected is not a position for or against it.

Directly affected

Motorists

Drivers convicted of leaving the scene of a fatal accident face increased mandatory prison terms, higher fines, and longer license revocations.

Key Facts

You don't have to trust us. Each fact below is taken straight from the official document - click any one to see the exact passage, highlighted in the original.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the penalties for a first-time hit-and-run resulting in death under this bill?

A first offense requires a minimum of 10 years in , a minimum fine of $10,000, and a minimum of 10 years.

Does this bill apply to repeat offenders or first-time offenders?

The official summary specifies that these increased penalties apply to a first offense of leaving the scene of an accident resulting in death.

What else do you want to know?

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Where This Stands

This bill did not become law - Died at adjournment · in Senate committee.

Procedural history

3 actions

Apr 9, 2026
Committee recommended measure be held for further study
Apr 3, 2026
Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (04/09/2026)
Jan 23, 2026Introduced
Introduced, referred to Senate Judiciary

Version history

Only one version on file - nothing to compare yet. As later stages (committee substitute, engrossed, enrolled) are captured, the redline appears here.

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