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Bill

A 1699

Increases the penalties for leaving the scene of an accident involving an electric scooter without reporting in the first and second degrees

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Michael Benedetto and 2 co-sponsors

Raises penalties for leaving the scene of an electric scooter crash without reporting, creating first- and second-degree offenses to deter e-scooter hit-and-runs.

PRINT NUMBER 1699A
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · A 1699

Summary: Assembly Bill A-1699 (A1699A) – Penalties for Leaving Scene of an Accident Involving an Electric Scooter

Overview

  • Bill number: A-1699 (A1699A upon amendment)
  • Title: Increases the penalties for leaving the scene of an accident involving an electric scooter without reporting in the first and second degrees
  • Status: PRINT NUMBER 1699A
  • Introduced: January 14, 2025
  • Primary sponsor: Linda Rosenthal
  • Cosponsors: Tony Simone, Michael Benedetto
  • Legislative context: Referred to Transportation on January 14, 2025; amended and reprinted as A1699A on February 18, 2025. Related bills include S 931 (companion) and prior-session bills S 7212, A 8128, A 1679.

What the bill does (purpose and scope)

  • The bill aims to enhance penalties for leaving the scene of an accident involving an electric scooter when the driver fails to report the incident.
  • Penalties are specified for two offense levels: first degree and second degree. The exact penalties (e.g., fines, imprisonment, or other sanctions) would be defined in the statutory language of the bill.
  • The focus is on incidents involving electric scooters, signaling a policy interest in motorized personal mobility devices and their safe operation and accountability in crashes.

Key provisions and changes (highlights)

  • Establishes or increases criminal penalties for leaving the scene of an accident involving an electric scooter without reporting.
  • Applies to two offense levels: first-degree leave-the-scene and second-degree leave-the-scene (as defined within the bill).
  • The bill would likely specify elements required to prove each offense, including failure to stop, failure to provide information, and failure to report the crash, in connection with an electric scooter operator.

Note: The exact statutory language with specific penalty amounts, duration, and qualifying factors is not provided in the summary materials. The bill as introduced and reprinted would lay out those details.

Who is affected

  • Electric scooter operators and riders involved in crashes.
  • Individuals who fail to stop, exchange information, or report an electric scooter crash.
  • Law enforcement and prosecutors who would charge and adjudicate leave-the-scene offenses involving e-scooters.
  • General public, through potential deterrence of hit-and-run behaviors involving micro-mobility devices.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Introduced in the Assembly on January 14, 2025 and referred to Transportation.
  • On February 18, 2025, amendments labeled “AMEND (T)” were filed and the bill was amended and reprinted as A1699A, indicating changes to the bill’s provisions or penalties during the committee/passage process.
  • Related companion bill in the Senate is S 931, with other prior-session related measures (S 7212; A 8128; A 1679).

Legislative context and considerations

  • Sponsors and supporters may emphasize safety and accountability in the growing use of electric scooters.
  • The bill’s passage could harmonize penalties across motor-vehicle crashes and micro-mobility incidents, potentially influencing enforcement practices and rider behavior.
  • Overview of related bills suggests ongoing interest in addressing leave-the-scene offenses in micro-mobility contexts.

Potential impacts and considerations

  • Enhanced deterrence against leaving crash scenes involving e-scooters.
  • Clearer statutory framework for charging and prosecuting such offenses.
  • Possible concerns to address in implementation: what constitutes “reporting” in the context of e-scooter incidents, ensures due process, and avoids unintended penalties for minor crashes or reporting delays.

Next steps to watch

  • Tracking the progression through Transportation committee and potential floor action.
  • Review of the final amended text for exact penalty levels, elements of the offenses, and any safe-harbor or defense provisions.
  • Monitoring any additional companion or related bills (e.g., S 931) for alignment or differences.

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

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