NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Legislation to increase penalties for drivers involved in pedestrian and bicycle deaths has been proposed in Tennessee.

Senate Bill 2425, sponsored by Sen. Jeff Yarbro (D – Nashville), cleared the Senate Transportation and Safety Committee Monday, according to WKRN News 2.

The bill will increase the penalty for failure to yield the right of way resulting in death to a Class A misdemeanor, which is a $2,500 fine and/or 11 months, 29 days in jail.

Causing serious injury could result in a $500 fine and up to six months in jail.

SB 2425 was recommended for passage by the Senate Transportation and Safety Committee.

The House version will go before the House Transportation Committee Tuesday at 1:30 p.m.

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