Vehicle accidents: fleeing.

Existing law provides that a person who flees the scene of the crime after committing vehicular manslaughter with gross negligence, upon conviction for that offense, in addition and consecutive to the punishment prescribed, shall be punished by an additional term of imprisonment of 5 years in the state prison. Existing law provides that this additional term shall not be imposed unless the allegation is charged in the accusatory pleading and admitted by the defendant or found to be true by the trier of fact. This bill would apply that penalty in the case of vehicular manslaughter without gross negligence. By imposing additional burdens on local prosecuting agencies in connection with expanding the application of an existing criminal penalty, this bill would impose a state-mandated local program. The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement. This bill would provide that no reimbursement is required by this act for a specified reason.