Sponsors (9)
The bill centralizes criminal enforcement of staged-collision schemes to better protect drivers and deter fraud, but does so by expanding federal jurisdiction and exposing defendants to significantly harsher federal penalties.
Drivers and commercial vehicle operators nationwide gain a federal crime and penalty specifically targeting staged collisions, which may reduce insurance fraud and make roads safer for those who drive for a living and the motoring public.
Federal prosecutors gain a new tool to seek substantial penalties for staged crashes that cause serious injury or death, potentially increasing deterrence and enabling coordinated multistate enforcement.
Individuals charged with staged-collision offenses face exposure to severe federal sentences (including 20+ year terms), raising stakes compared with some state prosecutions and increasing consequences for defendants.
State and local governments and law enforcement may see increased federal criminal jurisdiction over motor-vehicle conduct, creating additional caseloads and coordination burdens for local systems and potential federal-state friction.
Based on analysis of 2 sections of legislative text.
Creates a federal crime for intentionally staging collisions with commercial motor vehicles, with penalties up to and including at least 20 years for injury or death.
Official title: To amend title 49, United States Code, to prohibit staged collisions with commercial motor vehicles, and for other purposes.
Introduced April 7, 2025 by Mike Collins · Last progress April 7, 2025
Creates a new federal crime for intentionally staging collisions with commercial motor vehicles and sets prison and fine penalties. If a staged collision causes serious bodily injury or death, the law requires a minimum prison term of 20 years and allows longer sentences and fines; it also prevents duplicate federal prosecution after a state conviction or acquittal for the same act. The measure inserts a new chapter into title 49 of the U.S. Code to define the offense, penalties, and a bar on successive federal prosecution when a state or territorial court has already decided the case on the merits.