The Connecticut House gave final approval Thursday, Oct. 27, to a bill that would close a loophole in state law and make it a felony to knowingly and willfully operate a commercial vehicle without insurance.

House lawmakers voted 130-11 to advance the bill. Senators gave unanimous consent Wednesday, Oct. 26. The bill now moves to Gov. M. Jodi Rell who is expected to sign it.

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.

Currently, insurance companies must notify the state if insurance on an individual’s personal vehicle is canceled, but there is no similar requirement for commercial vehicles.

The measure – SB2102 – would 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.

State law now calls for all offenders to face $500 fines, and/or three months behind bars.

The DMV commissioner also 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.

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.