Alaska2026Passed Legislature

SB265

Alaska SB 265: Penalties for Failing to Assist After an Accident

Last scannedSep 10, 2026, 12:32 AM

In one sentence

This bill changes Alaska law by increasing penalties for drivers who fail to assist injured people or cause deaths after car accidents.

Keeps the penalty of up to one year in jail, a fine of $500, or both for failing to follow general accident rules if no injury is involved.
Makes it a Class B felony for drivers who fail to assist an injured person after an accident.
Creates a new Class A felony with a prison sentence of seven to 11 years for causing death while operating a vehicle and being convicted of criminally negligent homicide or the killing of an unborn child, if the driver also failed to render reasonable assistance.
Exempts drivers from these penalties if they are physically unable to act because they were injured in the crash.

Drivers operating motor vehicles involved in accidents
People convicted of criminally negligent homicide or killing an unborn child after a car accident

The new penalties only apply to accidents that happen on or after the date this bill officially takes effect.
Drivers who are physically unable to help because they were injured in the crash are not punished under these rules.

Plain language

Class A felony: A serious crime that carries long prison sentences, such as seven to eleven years in this bill.
Criminally negligent homicide: Causing the death of another person through careless behavior while driving.

Official record

Validated

CRIM. NEG. HOMICIDE; FAILURE TO ASSIST An Act relating to the duty of an operator immediately after an accident.

Official activity