While I've been at a family reunion / 8oth birthday party weekend, the Legislature has been busy working to further increase traffic and bicycle safety. On Saturday a variety legislators spoke at an impromptu bike rally; SB 1058, a vehicular homicide bill, was introduced.

SB 1058 is a late-session effort to further strengthen Oregon's laws that enforces against errant drivers who kill. The bill is introduced by Senator Prozanski and Representative Read.

SB 1058 would create a Class C Felony:

Criminal homicide constitutes vehicular homicide when a person negligently operates a motor vehicle or a boat in a manner that causes the death of another human being.

(2) As used in this section, 'negligence' means that a person fails to be aware of a risk that death will occur. The risk must be of such a nature and degree that the failure to be aware of it constitutes a deviation from the standard of care that a reasonable person would observe in the situation.

The bill elevates the crime to a Class B Felony if the person holds a suspended or revoked drivers license.

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