Legislative Watch 
LEGISLATIVE
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5/25/06-Gov. Kathleen Sebelius has signed a bill into law establishing more severe penalties for leaving the scene of an automobile accident.
The new law, previously H2748, makes it a felony to leave the scene of an automobile accident where someone was seriously injured or killed. Under existing state law, leaving the scene of an injury accident is only a misdemeanor.
It also makes it a misdemeanor to leave the scene of an injury accident or accident with property damage in excess of $1,000.
Another provision in the bill requires drivers to flip on their headlights whenever their windshield wipers are in “continuous use” due to rain, sleet or snow. They also will be required to have their headlights on when smoke or fog limits visibility to a distance of 1,000 feet.
To be ticketed for violating the rule, drivers first would need to be pulled over for another offense, such as speeding. It takes effect June 1.
