House of Representatives

HB 2452

Steven's law; drag racing; penalty

Sponsors: Representatives Foster, Chase, Miranda, Avelar, et al.

w/d	Committee on Transportation
dpa	Committee on Judiciary
x	Caucus and COW
	Third Read
	As Passed the House

HB 2452 increases the criminal penalties for drag racing.

Current Status

The Judiciary Committee adopted an amendment that makes a first drag racing offense a Class 1 misdemeanor and retains the increased penalty of a Class 6 felony for subsequent offenses. The amendment also provides a minimum fine for first and subsequent offenses and authorizes the court to order community service.

History

Under current law, if a person drives a vehicle or participates in any manner in a race, speed competition or contest, drag race or acceleration contest, test of physical endurance or exhibition of speed or acceleration or for the purpose of making a speed record on a street or highway, the person is guilty of a Class 2 misdemeanor (4 months/$750 fine). A second or subsequent conviction is also a Class 2 misdemeanor.

Provisions

· Makes drag racing at a speed at or below the maximum speed limit allowed a Class 1 misdemeanor (6 months/$2500 fine).

· Makes drag racing at a speed above the maximum speed limit a Class 6 felony (1 year/$150,000 fine).

· Stipulates that a second or subsequent drag racing violation within 24 months of a first conviction is a Class 6 felony.

· Specifies that the act shall be known as Steven’s law.

HB 2452 was amended in the Judiciary Committee as follows:

· Removes the speed limit delineation for drag racing offenses and makes drag racing a Class 1 misdemeanor.

· Orders that a person shall pay a minimum fine of $250 for a first offense and a minimum fine of $500 for a subsequent offense.

· Authorizes the court to order community service for a drag racing conviction.

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· 45th Legislature

· Second Regular Session 2 January 30, 2002

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