4/4/08-Gov. Mitch Daniels has signed a bill into law to require passengers of vehicles to act and call police in life-or-death situations. It takes effect July 1.
The new law, previously HB1052, requires passengers to help injured or trapped drivers and immediately report the incident to law enforcement. It requires people at least 18 years of age or at least 15 years of age and holders of learner’s permits or driver’s licenses who are involved in wrecks to attempt to notify someone for aid and render “reasonable assistance” if the driver is unable.
Failure to act could result in up to 60 days in jail and as much as $500 fines. If inaction results in serious injury, violators would face up to three years in prison and as much as $10,000 fines. If inaction results in death, penalties would increase to as much as eight years in prison and up to $10,000 fines.
Existing Indiana law only requires drivers to contact emergency personnel if a wreck results in injury or death.

3/6/08-The Senate voted 46-1 in favor of a bill that would require passengers to help injured or trapped drivers and immediately report the incident to law enforcement.
The current version of the bill would require all people who are at least 15 years of age who are in vehicles involved in wrecks would be required to attempt to notify someone for aid. Failure to act could result in up to 60 days in jail and as much as $500 fines.
Indiana law now only requires drivers to contact emergency personnel if a wreck results in injury or death.
Sponsored by Rep. Tim Neese, R-Elkhart, HB1052 now moves back to the House for approval of changes. If approved there, it would head to Gov. Mitch Daniels’ desk.
For bill status, call (317) 232-9856.

2/22/08-The Senate Corrections, Criminal and Civil Matters Committee approved a bill that would require passengers to help injured or trapped drivers and immediately report the incident to law enforcement. The House previously approved it.
The current version of the bill would require all people who are at least 15 years of age who are in vehicles involved in wrecks would be required to attempt to notify someone for aid. Failure to act could result in up to 60 days in jail and as much as $500 fines.
Indiana law now only requires drivers to contact emergency personnel if a wreck results in injury or death.
Sponsored by Rep. Tim Neese, R-Elkhart, HB1052 is awaiting consideration on the Senate floor. If approved there, it would move back to the House for approval of changes before going to Gov. Mitch Daniels’ desk.
For bill status, call (317) 232-9856.

2/1/08-The House unanimously approved a bill that would require passengers of vehicles to act and call police in life-or-death situations. It now moves to the Senate for further consideration.
Sponsored by Rep. Tim Neese, R-Elkhart, HB1052 would require passengers to help injured or trapped drivers and immediately report the incident to law enforcement. All persons involved in wrecks who are at least 15 years old would be required to attempt to notify someone for aid. Failure to act could result in up to 60 days in jail and as much as $500 fines.
The bill is in the Senate Corrections, Criminal and Civil Matters Committee.
For bill status, call (317) 232-9856.

1/9/08-A bill in the House Committee on Courts and Criminal Code that would require passengers of vehicles to act and call police in life-or-death situations.
Sponsored by Rep. Tim Neese, R-Elkhart, HB1052 would require passengers to help injured or trapped drivers and immediately report the incident to law enforcement. All persons involved in wrecks who are at least 15 years old would be required to attempt to notify someone for aid. Failure to act could result in up to 60 days in jail and as much as $500 fines.
For bill status, call (317) 232-9856.

1/2/08-Rep. Tim Neese, R-Elkhart, has filed a bill for consideration during the upcoming regular session that would require passengers of vehicles to act and call police in life-or-death situations.
HB1052 would require passengers to help injured or trapped drivers and immediately report the incident to law enforcement. All persons involved in wrecks who are at least 15 years old would be required to attempt to notify someone for aid. Failure to act could result in up to 60 days in jail and as much as $500 fines.
The bill can be considered during the session that began Monday, Jan. 8.
For bill status, call (317) 232-9856.