New Tennessee Bill Targets Drivers Who Flee Fatal Crashes

Tennessee lawmakers have approved new legislation designed to strengthen penalties for drivers who leave the scene of a deadly crash, a move supporters say reinforces accountability for some of the most serious offenses on the road.

The measure, known as the James Bardsley, Jr. Life Protection Act, was sponsored by Tennessee State Rep. Robert Stevens and now awaits the signature of Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee before becoming law.

A Push for Greater Accountability

Under current Tennessee law, leaving the scene of a fatal accident is already classified as a Class E felony, carrying a potential sentence of up to two years. However, supporters of the legislation argued that penalties did not always reflect the seriousness of the crime, particularly in cases where offenders served only limited jail time.

The new legislation establishes a mandatory minimum one-year sentence for drivers who leave the scene of a crash when they knew, or reasonably should have known, that the accident resulted in a death.

In addition to jail time, the law would also require courts to impose a fine ranging from $5,000 to $10,000.

“Fleeing the scene of a fatal crash is a deliberate attempt to avoid responsibility and it must be met with serious consequences,” Stevens said in a statement. “This bill ensures there are real consequences and reinforces that there is no escaping accountability in Tennessee.”

If signed into law, the legislation would take effect July 1.

The Story Behind the Legislation

The bill is named in honor of James “Jimmy” Bardsley, Jr., a 19-year-old who was killed in September 2021 after being struck on his motorcycle by a hit-and-run driver in Rutherford County, Tennessee.

Authorities later identified the driver, who was convicted in December 2023 on multiple charges, including leaving the scene of a fatal crash. According to lawmakers supporting the bill, the driver was later released under court-supervised parole after serving only a portion of the sentence.

Supporters of the legislation say the case exposed concerns about whether existing penalties were strong enough to deter drivers from fleeing deadly crash scenes.

The proposal gained support in the Tennessee General Assembly as lawmakers sought to address what many see as a growing national concern surrounding hit-and-run accidents.

Hit-and-Run Crashes Remain a National Concern

Traffic safety advocates across the country have increasingly raised alarms about fatal hit-and-run crashes. In many states, lawmakers have debated whether stronger penalties are needed to discourage drivers from leaving injured victims behind and to ensure families receive justice.

Advocates argue that leaving the scene of a crash can delay emergency medical care and complicate investigations, particularly in cases involving impaired driving or reckless behavior.

While laws vary from state to state, Tennessee’s proposal reflects a broader push among lawmakers nationwide to impose stricter consequences for drivers who flee fatal accidents.

For families affected by these tragedies, supporters say the legislation represents more than just tougher sentencing guidelines — it serves as a statement that accountability matters.

House Bill 1967 now heads to Gov. Lee’s desk for final consideration.