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HB 1521

Sentencing - As introduced, increases the penalty for leaving the scene of an accident resulting in injury from a Class A misdemeanor to a Class E felony; increases the penalty for leaving the scene of an accident that the person knew or should reasonably have known resulted in death from a Class E felony to a Class D felony. - Amends TCA Title 39, Chapter 13 and Title 55, Chapter 10.

114th Regular Session (2025-2026)

Tennessee bill elevates hit-and-run penalties: injury accidents to Class E felony, fatal accidents to Class D felony, removing judicial sentencing discretion.

Rec. for pass by s/c ref. to Judiciary Committee
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Bill Summary · HB 1521

Legislative bill overview

HB 1521 increases criminal penalties for hit-and-run offenses in Tennessee by elevating leaving the scene of an injury accident from a Class A misdemeanor to a Class E felony, and escalating leaving the scene of a fatal accident from a Class E felony to a Class D felony. The bill amends sections of Tennessee's criminal code governing sentencing and traffic violations.

Why is this important

Hit-and-run incidents create serious public safety and victim justice concerns, as fleeing accident scenes often prevents immediate medical aid and complicates accident investigations. Felony classification carries mandatory minimum sentences and permanent criminal records, significantly altering consequences for offenders and potentially affecting rehabilitation prospects versus public protection priorities.

Potential points of contention

  • Proportionality concerns: Converting injury-accident hit-and-runs to felonies may be viewed as disproportionate relative to similar negligent injury crimes, or conversely, as appropriately reflecting the severity of abandoning injured parties
  • Mandatory minimum implications: Class D and E felonies carry specific sentencing floors that remove judicial discretion, raising questions about whether all cases warrant identical minimum penalties regardless of circumstances
  • Collateral consequences: Felony convictions permanently impact employment, housing, voting rights, and professional licensing—critics may argue this exceeds the offense severity while supporters view it as necessary deterrent

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

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