SB 1678 Tennessee Senate · 114th Regular Session (2025-2026)

Sentencing - As introduced, increases the penalty for failing to stop at the scene of an accident when the person knew or should reasonably have known that death resulted from the accident by requiring a mandatory period of confinement of not less than one year and a minimum fine of $10,000. - Amends TCA Title 39; Title 40 and Title 55.

SB 1678 increases penalties for hit-and-run accidents that cause death in Tennessee. The bill requires a mandatory minimum one-year prison sentence and a $10,000 fine for drivers who knew or should have reasonably known death resulted from the accident. It amends Tennessee law to reclassify such offenses as a Class E felony, applying to incidents occurring on or after July 1, 2026. This directly affects drivers who flee the scene of fatal crashes without stopping.
Bill status in committee 1 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Jan 2026
Committee Review
Floor Vote
Governor
Introduced Jan 15, 2026 Last action Mar 9, 2026
Floor votes

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Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions
5
Key actions
0
Committee
2
Mar 9, 2026
Committee
Assigned to General Subcommittee of Senate Judiciary Committee
lower
Jan 21, 2026
Committee
Passed on Second Consideration, refer to Senate Judiciary Committee
upper
Jan 15, 2026
Introduced
Introduced, Passed on First Consideration
lower
1 primary · 0 co-sponsors

Sponsors

Role
Legislator
Party
State
District
P
Photo of Kerry Roberts
Kerry Roberts
RRepublican
TN
23