Angelica's Law, In Memory Of Long Island Teen, Takes Effect Friday

ALBANY, NY — Angelica’s Law, legislation named after a Long Island teenager who died in a crash when an unlicensed driver with seven previous suspensions ran a red light, takes effect Friday, the state Department of Motor Vehicles said.

The legislation is named for Angelica Nappi, a 14-year-old Holbrook resident who was killed in 2008, and aims to keep high-risk drivers off the road by lowering the number of prior license suspensions that can result in felony charges for driving without a valid license.

At the time of Nappi's death, the motorist only faced a misdemeanor, officials said.

Angelica’s Law decreases from 10 to five the number of prior license suspensions needed to qualify for first-degree aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle, a felony.

It was signed into law in December by Gov. Kathy Hochul.

Department of Motor Vehicles Commissioner Mark Schroeder, who chairs the governor’s Traffic Safety Committee, said New York’s roads are safer because of the law honoring Nappi.

“More than a decade later, Angelica’s legacy is alive and well, with tangible good emerging from terrible tragedy," he said.

The bill floated around Albany for years before finally being passed in 2023, and Riendeau, who lobbied for it, was present.

Angelica’s mother, Dawn Riendeau, thanked Hochul and said the law was 16 years in the making.

"Angelica’s Law brings us one step closer towards creating safer roadways and saving lives," she said. "Although there is more work to be done, I am thankful for the progress that was made in memory of my daughter. Thank you, Governor Hochul, for signing this legislation into law.”

"She's been such a warrior through this whole thing, and she has never given up," Sen. Dean Murray, who co-sponsored the legislation, told Patch at the time.