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
How they voted
No floor votes recorded yet.
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
Kerry Roberts
RRepublican
Ask Maddy
·
AI policy assistant
Ask Maddy about SB 1678
Scope: TN
Hi! I can help you understand SB 1678. What would you like to know?
Try one of these
i
Maddy answers using official bill text and legislative records. Always verify before sharing.
Sources cited inline