In a cruel twist of fate, my daughter Jody's life was cut short by a hit-and-run driver. That fateful moment forever altered our family’s existence, which now revolves around the aching absence of Jody. Someone chose to flee instead of offering aid, leaving us grappling not only with heartbreak but also with an infuriating battle for justice and accountability, a battle made all the harder by Louisiana’s deeply flawed current laws on hit-and-runs.

Louisiana's legal system, as it stands, has significant shortcomings when it comes to hit-and-run cases, essentially providing a loophole that allows offenders to escape appropriate consequences. In numerous tragic cases similar to ours, families are left with an unbearable sense of injustice as offenders exploit these gaps, avoiding punishment by simply evading the scene. Current laws inadvertently encourage drivers involved in serious accidents to leave the scene, as they potentially face lesser charges if they surrender themselves later, typically after the influence of any intoxicating substances has dissipated.

The time has come for change. Introducing “Jody’s Law” would close the loopholes that currently allow hit‑and‑run drivers to avoid accountability by fleeing. It strengthens penalties when someone leaves the scene of a crash involving serious injury or death, and removes preset bail so judges must actually review the case before release. It also creates a rapid alert system to help locate fleeing vehicles. Altogether, it ensures Louisiana treats hit‑and‑run as the violent crime it is and gives law enforcement, prosecutors, and families the tools they need for real justice.

 A named state law like “Jody’s Law” arms legislators with a clear and achievable reform that directly addresses the root of the issue. By moving swiftly to enact this legislation, Louisiana can set a powerful precedent for other states and reaffirm its commitment to justice and accountability.

The pain of losing Jody continues to resonate every single day. It's a pain no family should have to endure due to legal oversights. We urge Louisiana legislators to act decisively by passing “Jody’s Law”. Doing so can save lives, deter reckless decisions, and ensure no more families are trapped in this cycle of heartbreak and injustice. Please sign this petition to make hits-and-runs a thing of the past and help secure a future where roads are safer, and justice is attainable.