Sponsors (8)
The bill creates a new federal crime to deter and punish staged vehicle collisions—providing stronger protection for drivers and a powerful prosecutorial tool—while increasing federal involvement, caseloads, and the possibility of much harsher federal sentences for defendants.
Drivers and commercial vehicle operators (including transportation workers) gain federal legal protection against staged collisions, which should reduce insurance fraud and lower road dangers for victims and honest drivers.
Federal prosecutors and law enforcement gain a clear federal statute to pursue staged-crash schemes with substantial penalties (up to 20+ years) when they cause serious injury or death, increasing deterrence and the ability to secure significant punishments for dangerous conduct.
State and local governments and law enforcement may see increased federalization of motor-vehicle misconduct, raising federal caseloads and creating coordination burdens between federal and state authorities.
Individuals prosecuted under the new federal crime face the risk of much harsher federal sentences (20+ years) than some state penalties, increasing stakes for defendants and potential long-term costs borne by taxpayers.
Based on analysis of 2 sections of legislative text.
Makes intentionally staging collisions with commercial motor vehicles a federal crime with fines and prison (up to 20 years; at least 20 years if serious injury or death), and bars federal prosecution after a state conviction or acquittal.
Introduced April 7, 2025 by Mike Collins · Last progress April 7, 2025
Makes it a federal crime to intentionally stage or arrange collisions with commercial motor vehicles. Offenders face fines and prison time—up to 20 years for causing or arranging a staged crash, and at least 20 years (plus fines) if the staged collision causes serious bodily injury or death. Prevents federal charges if a person has already been convicted or acquitted on the same act by a State, the District of Columbia, or a U.S. territory or possession. Also adds a clerical entry to the title 49 analysis to list the new chapter.