SB1018: Vehicle race; raises penalty for causing death of another person while engaging.

SENATE BILL NO. 1018
Offered January 12, 2011
Prefiled January 11, 2011
A BILL to amend and reenact § 46.2-865.1 of the Code of Virginia, relating to causing the death of another while engaging in motor vehicle racing; penalty.
Patron-- Puckett

Referred to Committee on Transportation

Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Virginia:

1.  That § 46.2-865.1 of the Code of Virginia is amended and reenacted as follows:

§ 46.2-865.1. Injuring another or causing the death of another while engaging in a race; penalties.

A. Any person who, while engaging in a race in violation of § 46.2-865 in a manner so gross, wanton and culpable as to show a reckless disregard for human life:

1. Causes serious bodily injury to another person who is not involved in the violation of § 46.2-865 is guilty of a Class 6 felony; or

2. Causes the death of another person is guilty of a felony punishable by a term of imprisonment of not less than one nor more than 20 years, one year of which shall be a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 20 years.

B. Upon conviction, the court shall suspend the driver's license of such person for a period of not less than one year nor more than three years, and shall order the surrender of the license to be disposed of in accordance with the provisions of § 46.2-398.

2.  That the provisions of this act may result in a net increase in periods of imprisonment or commitment. Pursuant to § 30-19.1:4, the estimated amount of the necessary appropriation is $47,273 for periods of imprisonment in state adult correctional facilities and cannot be determined for periods of commitment to the custody of the Department of Juvenile Justice.