Increases the penalties for a first offense of leaving the scene of an accident resulting in death to a minimum 10 years in incarceration, a minimum of $10,000 and a minimum license revocation of 10 years.

Summary: The Matthew O'Gara Act of 2026

This bill would significantly increase the punishment for drivers who leave the scene of a car accident that results in someone's death — commonly known as a "hit-and-run." Under this proposed law, even a first-time offense would carry a minimum prison sentence of 10 years, a minimum fine of $10,000, and a minimum driver's license revocation of 10 years. The bill is named "The Matthew O'Gara Act of 2026," suggesting it may be inspired by a specific incident or individual.

Currently, Rhode Island law punishes leaving the scene of a fatal accident, but this bill would establish much stricter minimum penalties, meaning judges would have less flexibility to impose lighter sentences for first-time offenders. The 10-year minimums for both incarceration and license revocation are intended to ensure that anyone convicted faces serious, guaranteed consequences regardless of other circumstances.

This bill would directly affect drivers involved in fatal accidents who flee the scene rather than stopping to render aid or report the crash. It would also affect prosecutors and judges, who would be required to work within these new mandatory minimum guidelines. Families of accident victims, law enforcement, and the general driving public would also be impacted, as the stricter penalties are designed to discourage hit-and-run behavior.

The bill has been introduced in the Rhode Island Senate and referred to the Senate Judiciary Committee, where it was scheduled for a hearing in April 2026. No final vote has taken place yet.