St. Paul, MN- A bill authored by State Rep. Paul Rosenthal that clarifies the responsibilities of hit and run offenders passed the house today on a bipartisan vote of 124-3.
The bill (HF 1335/SF 1246) would expand a driver’s duty to stop for motor vehicle collisions and legally require them to investigate what was struck by their vehicle. This language in Rep. Rosenthal’s bill, regarding stopping and investigating collisions, would also define that “not knowing what was struck” is no longer a legal defense for those accused of a hit and run collision.
Rep. Rosenthal was optimistic about the legal implications of the bill:
“It’s common sense for most Minnesotans that if you hit something, it’s your responsibility to stop and investigate what you hit, but this bill sets out in clear language that Minnesota courts will not tolerate people leaving the scene of a collision without at least attempting to see what they collided with and making contact with the victims if there were other individuals involved,” said Rosenthal. “It’s the sort of personal responsibility that we expect.”
The legislation has passed in the Minnesota Senate, and will now go to Governor Dayton to be signed into law.
Rep. Rosenthal can be reached at 651-296-7803 or rep.paul.rosenthal@house.mn
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