The Connecticut Senate unanimously approved a bill this week that would close a loophole in state law and make it a felony to knowingly operate a commercial vehicle without insurance.

Senators voted Wednesday, Oct. 26, to advance the bill. It now moves to the state’s House for further consideration.

The legislation is in response to a truck crash in July on Route 44 at the bottom of Avon Mountain, The Associated Press reported. The fiery 20-vehicle crash killed four people.

An investigation into American Crushing and Recycling found that the company’s truck was allegedly uninsured at the time of the accident, a charge the company’s owner, David Wilcox, denies.

The bill would also require trucking company owners to file evidence of insurance with the state Department of Motor Vehicles at least every six months. Violators could face five years in prison and $5,000 in fines.

In addition, the DMV commissioner would have authority to send a registration suspension notice to the owner of any commercial vehicle if it is not insured.

Existing Connecticut law allows the commissioner to request evidence of insurance, The AP reported. If no evidence is found, registration can be cancelled and license plates confiscated.

The bill – SB2102 – is expected to gain approval by House lawmakers and Gov. M. Jodi Rell. The new rules would take effect Jan. 1, 2006.

Lawmakers said the effort is just a start. They plan to pursue additional efforts during the regular legislative session that is scheduled to start in February.