Neese Bill Passes House Unanimously

From the Elkhart Truth:

HB 1052, authored by Rep. Tim Neese, R-Elkhart, passed by a 97-0 vote Tuesday in the Indiana House of Representatives. The bill now moves to the Senate for consideration.

Neese first filed legislation in 2006, after a 2005 fatal car crash in Noble County involving a then-17-year-old New Paris youth, Thomas Hoopingarner.

Two passengers, then 15, left the scene and did not report the accident to anyone. Hoopingarner was found dead in his upside down and submerged vehicle.

Hoopingarner's family is actively seeking this legislation.

In 2006, the legislation received full House support, but languished in the Senate.

Under HB 1052, any driver and passengers older than 151/2 involved in a vehicle accident would be required to contact emergency personnel and give reasonable assistance. Current law only requires a driver of a vehicle to call emergency personnel if the accident results in the injury or death of a person. Failure to do so is a Class C misdemeanor, punishable by up to 60 days in jail and a $500 fine.

"It is not complicated legislation, but it is very effective," said Neese from the House floor. "Passengers are treated differently than drivers in car accidents and I believe we should hold them to the same responsibilities."