NASHVILLE, Tenn. – The General Assembly approved legislation to strengthen penalties for drivers who leave the scene of a fatal accident.
The James Bardsley, Jr. Life Protection Act, sponsored by State Rep. Robert Stevens, R-Smyrna, establishes a mandatory minimum one-year sentence for drivers who leave the scene of an accident when they knew or reasonably should have known that the crash resulted in a death.
“Fleeing the scene of a fatal crash is a deliberate attempt to avoid responsibility and it must be met with serious consequences,” Stevens said. “This bill ensures there are real consequences and reinforces that there is no escaping accountability in Tennessee.”
Under current law, the offense is already a Class E felony, which carries a potential sentence of up to two years.
The legislation also requires a fine of no less than $5,000 and no more than $10,000.
James “Jimmy” Bardsley, Jr., 19, was killed in September 2021 when he was struck on his motorcycle by a hit-and-run driver in Rutherford County. The driver was later identified and then convicted in December 2023 on multiple charges, including leaving the scene of a fatal crash. He was released under court-supervised parole after serving just a fraction of his sentence.
House Bill 1967 is awaiting Gov. Bill Lee’s signature. Once enacted, it will take effect on July 1.
Robert Stevens represents District 13 in the Tennessee House of Representatives which includes part of Rutherford County.
###