Buck-Taylor Supports Elimination of Hit & Run Prosecutorial Limitation
April 30, 2014HARTFORD — State Rep. Cecilia Buck-Taylor on Monday supported legislation that gives authorities an open-ended ability to prosecute hit-and-run drivers that cause a fatality.
The legislation (H.B. 5592) eliminates the statute of limitations on this particular type of motor vehicle crime, and it passed through the House by a unanimous vote (144-0) Monday evening.
“There’s no scenario where a hit-and-run driver should be allowed to run out the clock—to conceal an awful secret to avoid the scrutiny of our legal system,” said Buck-Taylor, a member of the Judiciary Committee. “This bill will make sure perpetrators have to face the consequences no matter how long they have been able to avoid being arrested.”
Several legislators on Monday shared personal or constituent-based stories, including one of a woman’s shock that an under-the-influence driver who killed her sister couldn’t be charged because the statute of limitations had expired by the time he decided to turn himself in 21 years later.
The legislation awaits action in the state senate.