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Bill

H 4395

An Act increasing penalties for hit and runs with recreational vehicles in the Commonwealth to be known as the James Ward Act

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Michelle Badger and 5 co-sponsors

Massachusetts bill increases criminal penalties specifically for hit-and-run collisions involving recreational vehicles to deter dangerous driver behavior and ensure accountability.

Bill reported favorably by committee and referred to the committee on House Ways and Means
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Bill Summary · H 4395

Legislative bill overview

H 4395 increases criminal penalties specifically for hit-and-run incidents involving recreational vehicles (RVs, campers, motorhomes) in Massachusetts. The bill is named after James Ward, suggesting it was prompted by a specific incident. It represents a targeted enhancement of existing hit-and-run laws with severity adjusted for the vehicle type involved.

Why is this important

Hit-and-run incidents cause serious injuries and deaths while denying victims immediate assistance and accountability. RVs present particular challenges due to their size, weight, and the difficulty victims may face identifying the vehicle or driver. Increased penalties aim to deter these crimes and ensure appropriate consequences for leaving accident scenes involving these larger vehicles.

Potential points of contention

  • Proportionality concerns: Whether RV-specific penalties are justified compared to other vehicle types, or if this creates inconsistent sentencing for similar conduct
  • Definition scope: Ambiguity about what constitutes a "recreational vehicle" (do commercial tour buses, food trucks, or work vehicles count?) could create enforcement inconsistencies
  • Enforcement feasibility: Questions about whether increased penalties alone address the underlying issue of identifying RV drivers at accident scenes, or if resources should focus on investigative tools instead

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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