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HARTFORD — State Rep. Lezlye Zupkus on Monday supported legislation that gives authorities an open-ended ability to prosecute hit-and-run drivers that cause a fatality.
The legislation (H.B. 5592) eliminates the statute of limitations on this particular type of motor vehicle crime, and it passed through the House by a unanimous vote Monday evening.
“Under no circumstances should a perpetrator be allowed to simply wait out the clock—to live in the shadows with a dark secret to avoid prosecution,” said Zupkus, who represents Bethany, Cheshire and Prospect. “This proposal works toward way toward making certain perpetrators have to face the law no matter when they’re identified.”
Several legislators on Monday shared personal or constituent-based stories, including one of a woman’s shock that an under-the-influence driver who killed her sister couldn’t be charged because the statute of limitations had expired by the time he decided to turn himself in 21 years later.
The legislation awaits action in the state senate.
