State Sen. Judy Ward, R-Blair, chair of the Senate Transportation Committee, announced the introduction this week of the “Kyle Costrello and Glenn Compton Law” to increase penalties for causing unintentional death on the roadway.

“Far too many Pennsylvanians who are grieving the loss of their loved ones are forced to endure even more pain when they learn those who caused these crashes are facing nothing more than a slap on the wrist,” said Ward. “Closing this loophole in the state’s vehicle code will not only create a tool for law enforcement to help keep our roads safe but will also hopefully bring some sense of closure to the families who have been forced to live with the pain of losing loved ones over the careless actions of others.”

The proposed legislation, Senate Bill 1286, would increase the penalties associated with unintentional death, including an ungraded misdemeanor punishable by a fine up to $2,500 and a license suspension of up to two years.

The legislation is named after constituents who lost their lives in traffic crashes, resulting in penalties their families undoubtedly feel were not equal to justice, Ward said in a news release.

Kyle Costrello was riding his motorcycle in Lancaster County when another driver crossed the centerline and collided with him. Costrello was killed. The other driver was charged for careless driving and received a $500 fine.

Glenn Compton was killed in a crash in Juniata County caused by an out-of-state driver, which also seriously injured his wife. Police did not have probable cause to pursue stronger charges, such as homicide by vehicle.

As a result, the other driver faces only minor traffic offenses rather than more severe penalties for causing Compton’s death.

The legislation was referred to the Senate Transportation Committee for consideration.