SUFFOLK COUNTY, N.Y. — A tragedy that claimed the life of a 14-year-old Holbrook girl ultimately led to a change in New York State law, with Assemblyman Joe DeStefano among the lawmakers who helped advance legislation aimed at keeping repeat unlicensed drivers off the road.
In 2008, Angelica Nappi was struck and killed by a driver whose license had been suspended multiple times. Her death sparked a yearslong effort by her family to strengthen penalties for motorists who continue driving despite repeated license suspensions.
That effort resulted in Angelica’s Law, signed by Governor Kathy Hochul on December 12, 2023.
The legislation, A.3983/S.4671, lowered the threshold for certain first-degree aggravated unlicensed-driving charges from ten prior license suspensions or revocations to five. The offense is a Class E felony, with the new provision carrying a potential prison sentence of up to two years and fines ranging from $500 to $5,000.
DeStefano co-sponsored the Assembly legislation alongside its primary sponsor, former Assemblyman Fred Thiele. Senator Kevin Thomas sponsored the Senate version, with Senator Dean Murray serving as a co-sponsor.
The legislation’s passage followed years of advocacy by Angelica’s mother, Dawn Riendeau, who continued pushing for stronger protections after her daughter’s death.
The effort also produced a permanent local tribute.
In July 2025, DeStefano joined Angelica’s parents, Senator Murray, Suffolk County Legislator Dominick Thorne and community advocates to unveil Angelica Nappi Avenue, a commemorative street designation along Woodside Avenue near County Road 101.
DeStefano described the dedication as a reminder of the responsibility to protect motorists and pedestrians from repeat dangerous drivers.
Angelica’s Law illustrates how a family’s persistence, combined with cooperation among state lawmakers, can produce a concrete change in public-safety policy.
For DeStefano, the legislation represents part of his record addressing public safety in Albany. For the Nappi family, it ensures Angelica’s name remains connected to an effort intended to prevent similar tragedies.
Angelica’s Law: How a Suffolk County Tragedy Changed New York’s Rules for Repeat Unlicensed Drivers
