Pennsylvania House Bill HB2495

Pennsylvania 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 5/8/26
• Refer: 5/8/26

Caption

In miscellaneous provisions relating to operation of vehicles, further providing for the offense of homicide by vehicle while driving under influence.

Summary

HB2495 amends Pennsylvania’s vehicle code provision on homicide by vehicle while driving under the influence. The bill reworks the grading and mandatory minimum sentencing structure for a person who unintentionally causes another person’s death while violating the DUI law, section 3802. Under the bill, the offense is generally graded as a felony of the first degree, replacing the prior structure that distinguished between second-degree and first-degree felony treatment depending on prior record and aggravating circumstances. The bill also increases mandatory minimum prison terms in several situations. A basic conviction would carry a minimum term of five years, with a consecutive five-year term for each victim. Higher minimums apply when the offense involves certain aggravating conduct, such as a DUI involving high blood alcohol, controlled substances, fleeing police, or having a minor passenger, and when the offender has prior DUI-related history. In those cases, the minimum term rises to seven years, and in the most serious repeat-offender situations it rises to 10 years, with consecutive terms still required for each victim. The act would take effect 60 days after enactment.

Impact

HB2495 would amend Title 75 of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes by revising section 3735, the homicide by vehicle while driving under the influence statute. Its practical effect is to increase criminal penalties, elevate offense grading, and expand mandatory minimum sentencing exposure for DUI-related fatalities, especially for repeat offenders and cases involving aggravating factors. The bill affects defendants convicted under the DUI statute, sentencing courts, prosecutors, and victims’ families by making punishment more severe and less discretionary.

Sentiment

Based on the bill text and the absence of recorded committee debate or votes in the provided materials, the apparent sentiment is strongly punitive and victim-protective. The sponsors’ approach suggests support for tougher consequences for DUI-related deaths and repeat impaired-driving conduct. No contrary viewpoints are documented in the supplied record, but the bill’s structure indicates a legislative intent to emphasize deterrence, accountability, and enhanced public safety.

Contention

The main points of contention likely concern the bill’s increased mandatory minimums, the shift to first-degree felony treatment, and the use of consecutive sentencing for each victim. Supporters would likely argue that the bill appropriately responds to fatal impaired-driving crashes and repeat offenders, while opponents may object that the bill reduces judicial discretion, increases incarceration lengths, and may create disproportionate penalties in cases involving prior DUI history or aggravating circumstances. Because no committee transcript or vote history is provided, specific named objections or supporters cannot be identified from the record.