ATLANTA – The Georgia House of Representatives passed House Bill 765, sponsored by State Representative “Able” Mable Thomas (D-Atlanta), on Wednesday, Feb. 28, 2018, by a vote of 166-3. HB 765, also known as C.J.’s Law, would increase penalties for hit-and-run accidents that result in fatalities or serious injuries.
“I am grateful to my House colleagues for passing this vital legislation and recognizing the weight of hit-and-run accidents,” said Rep. Thomas. “Statutes regarding hit-and-runs have not been updated since 1999, and I hope that this legislation encourages drivers to stop after accidents and have compassion for our families.”
Under HB 765, anyone convicted of unintentionally causing a vehicular accident that results in bodily injury and/or death of another person and leaves the scene of the accident would be guilty of a felony and could serve a sentence of one to ten years.
The bill is named after Charlie Enrique Jones III, C.J., who was a hit-and-run victim nine years ago on Jan. 24, 2009.
HB 765 will now go to the Senate for consideration. If passed by the Senate, HB 765 would require the governor’s signature in order to take effect.
For more information on HB 765, please click here.
Representative “Able” Mable Thomas represents the citizens on District 56, which includes portions of Fulton County. She was first elected to the House of Representatives in 1985 and again in 2002 and in 2012. She currently serves on the Economic Development & Tourism, Legislative and Congressional Reapportionment, Natural Resources & Environment and Science and Technology committees.
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