(WNY News Now) – In a poignant response to the tragic loss of 14-year-old Angelica Nappi in 2008, New York Governor Kathy Hochul signed into law a groundbreaking legislation—Angelica’s Law (S.4671/A.3983). The law, designed to shield New Yorkers from perilous and reckless motorists, expands the offense of First Degree Aggravated Unlicensed Operation of a Motor Vehicle. The legislation, named in memory of Angelica Nappi, aims to reduce road risks by imposing a felony on recidivist drivers with multiple prior license suspensions.
New York – Yesterday, at the Department of Motor Vehicles’ Garden City location, Governor Hochul sealed the fate of Angelica’s Law, flanked by the family of the young victim whose life was cut short by an unlicensed driver with a history of suspensions. Angelica Nappi of Holbrook became the face of the tragic consequences of lax regulations when she was fatally struck by a driver without a valid license, boasting more than five previous suspensions.
Angelica’s Law takes a significant step towards enhancing road safety by decreasing the threshold for qualifying for First Degree Aggravated Unlicensed Operation of a Motor Vehicle—a class E felony. Previously, recidivist drivers needed a higher number of prior license suspensions to face this severe charge. The new legislation tightens this requirement, ensuring that those with a track record of endangering others on the road face harsher penalties.
The heart-wrenching loss of Angelica Nappi serves as a stark reminder of the need for stringent measures. The law now applies a felony charge to drivers with five or more moving violations leading to previous suspensions or revocations, effectively keeping habitual offenders off the roads. Governor Hochul remarked, “After Angelica Nappi tragically lost her life more than a decade ago, her family has channeled their pain into purpose to push for this legislation. I’m honored to stand with Angelica’s family as we sign this law and make our roads safer for all.”
Dawn Riendeau, Angelica’s mother, expressed her gratitude, stating, “Almost 16 years later, my fight for safer roadways has been acted upon. I know Angelica is proud.” The emotional resonance of the law underscores the human cost of inadequate road safety measures and the commitment of Angelica’s family to transform personal tragedy into legislative change.
In September, responding to the 2023 State of the State message, the Department of Motor Vehicles proactively proposed regulatory changes. The aim was to bolster their ability to remove drivers engaging in risky behavior from roadways. Simultaneously, the changes intend to make it more challenging for persistent violators to regain their driving privileges.
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