Vehicle Laws - Injury or Death of Vulnerable Individual - Penalties

HB 234 increases penalties for drivers who cause serious injury or death to vulnerable road users, including pedestrians (especially workers or emergency responders), cyclists, wheelchair users, and others operating bicycles, scooters, farm equipment, or animals on roads. It prohibits driving violations that result in harm to these individuals and mandates that convicted drivers face up to 2 months in jail, a $2,000 fine, or both, plus mandatory safety courses and 150 hours of community service. The law also requires courts to suspend a driver’s license for 7 days to 6 months for such offenses. This bill directly affects drivers who cause harm to these specific groups while on public roads or sidewalks.