An Act amending Title 75 (Vehicles) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in miscellaneous provisions relating to operation of vehicles, further providing for the offense of homicide by vehicle while driving under influence.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Aaron Bernstine and 13 co-sponsors

HB 2495 creates a separate homicide by vehicle while under the influence offense in Pennsylvania, enabling harsher penalties for fatal DUI crashes.

Referred to Judiciary

What the bill aims to change

The bill would strengthen or clarify statutes related to homicide by vehicle when the driver is under the influence.

It is framed as an enhancement or clarification of the existing offense, improving how DUI-related fatal vehicle homicides are prosecuted and sentenced (text indicates a focus on “homicide by vehicle while driving under influence” within miscellaneous provisions relating to vehicle operation).

Key provisions and changes (as described)

Amends Title 75 (Vehicles), within the chapter or provisions addressing miscellaneous operation-related offenses.

Specifically provides for the offense of homicide by vehicle while driving under influence, i.e., a DUI-related fatal crash would be categorized or penalized under this offense.

The bill’s title and sponsor memo indicate it is part of a broader effort (Joey’s Law) to address fatalities linked to impaired driving.

Note: The bill text itself is not fully displayed here. The summary reflects the bill’s stated purpose and the typical structure of “homicide by vehicle while DUI” provisions in Pennsylvania, which generally establish:
- A standalone offense for causing death while operating a vehicle under the influence.
- Associated penalties (which commonly include substantial prison terms, possible aggravated/mitigating factors, and potential enhancements for certain circumstances such as prior offenses, aggravated reckless conduct, or DUI-related fatalities.)

Who would be affected

Operators of motor vehicles who drive under the influence and cause the death of another person.

Jurisdiction: Pennsylvania courts would prosecute under the amended provisions in Title 75.

Potentially affected individuals include DUI offenders, victims and families of DUI fatalities, law enforcement, prosecutors, and the judiciary in DUI homicide cases.

Procedural and timeline aspects

Status: Referred to the Pennsylvania House Judiciary Committee on May 8, 2026.

Next steps: If the Judiciary Committee advances the bill, it would proceed through legislative chambers (House, then Senate) with potential amendments, public hearings, and votes.

There is no enacted date or final passage in the provided text; current action shows committee referral rather than codified law.

Additional context

Primary sponsor: Representative Shelby Labs (and multiple co-sponsors from both major parties and various districts).

The memo references “Joey’s Law,” indicating a broader policy objective to address deaths caused by DUI.

The bill interacts with other existing Pennsylvania statutes under Title 75 related to vehicle operation and offenses.

Potential impact considerations (informational)

Legal: Creates or clarifies a separate offense for homicide by vehicle when DUI is involved, potentially enabling harsher penalties and clearer prosecution paths for DUI-related fatalities.

Public safety: Aims to deter impaired driving and provide stronger accountability for fatal outcomes.

Administrative: May affect charging decisions, sentencing guidelines, and case management in DUI homicide cases.

If you’d like, I can compare this bill to existing Pennsylvania DUI homicide statutes and outline likely penalties and possible defenses once the full text is available.

Bill