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House Co-Sponsorship Memoranda
House of Representatives
Session of 2015 - 2016
Regular Session
MEMORANDUM
| Posted: | February 6, 2015 09:57 AM |
|---|---|
| From: | Representative Gene DiGirolamo |
| To: | All House members |
| Subject: | Ryan's Law (formerly HB 2200) |
In the near future, I plan on introducing legislation that would amend Title 75, the Vehicle Code, pertaining to particular drivers who are involved in serious accidents while under suspension. This legislation is entitled “Ryan’s Law” in memory of a constituent of mine, Ryan Viola. He was a 17 year old Bucks County Technical High School Senior when he sustained life threatening injuries after being struck by a driver without a valid license while on the way to his bus stop the morning of November 29, 2012. He was pronounced dead the following day, and on December 1, 2012 his donated organs gave the gift of life to 5 people. Wanting to follow his father's and grandfather's footsteps, Ryan was participating in the Electrical Occupations Technology Program at Tech. Ryan also had plans to enter the United States Army in August of 2013. Aside from the driving while suspended charge, no additional penalty exists today for being involved in an accident without a license if the suspended driver was not found to have caused the accident. My legislation would change that by adding a penalty to Section 3742 (accidents involving death or personal injury while not properly licensed) for an individual to be charged with a 2nd degree misdemeanor if s/he is involved in an accident that causes serious bodily injury or death. This would come with a maximum penalty of 2 years of confinement and a $5,000 fine. The driver who was involved in the accident should not have been on the road at all and should be held accountable for that. While this penalty will not come close to rectifying the loss of Mrs. Viola or the others who have lost loved ones, this will allow for a degree of accountability for those who choose to break the law. I would also like to draw your attention to an event on March 29, 2015 in honor of Ryan. Bucks County Technical High School will host the 3rd Annual RYAN STRONG 5K Run/Walk to honor his memory. All proceeds from the 5k will benefit Bucks County Technical High School and Gift of Life Family House in memory of Ryan Viola. Sen. Tomlinson will be introducing identical legislation in the Senate. |
Introduced as HB529