An Act increasing penalties for hit and runs with recreational vehicles in the Commonwealth to be known as the James Ward Act

H 4395, known as the James Ward Act, increases penalties for hit-and-run incidents involving recreational vehicles (like ATVs or snowmobiles) that cause injury or death. For non-fatal injuries, it adds potential jail time of up to 1 year (previously only fines of $500-$1,000). For fatal collisions, it raises penalties to up to 2.5 years in jail or a $5,000 fine (previously less severe terms). The bill directly affects drivers of snow vehicles or recreational vehicles who flee the scene after causing bodily injury. It modifies existing Massachusetts law to impose stricter consequences for these specific offenses.