CARSON CITY, Nev. (AP) — Nevada lawmakers have passed a measure that raises the penalty for hit-and-run crimes and aims to close a legal loophole for drunk drivers.
Assembly members voted 29-12 on Thursday to approve SB245. The measure passed the Senate unanimously in April and now heads to Gov. Brian Sandoval for approval.
The bill increases the maximum penalty on hit-and-run crimes from 15 to 20 years in prison and prohibits convicted people from applying for a suspended sentence.
Supporters said the measure would remove a legal loophole that allows drunk drivers to get a lower penalty if they flee the scene of the crime.
Several Assembly Democrats said they feared the proposal was too broad and that its penalties were too harsh.
