Assigned to JUD & TRANS                                                                                                        FOR COMMITTEE

 

 


 

ARIZONA STATE SENATE

Phoenix, Arizona

 

FACT SHEET FOR H.B. 2452

 

Steven’s law; drag racing; penalty

(now: racing on highways; penalties)

 

Purpose

 

Increases the penalties for drag racing and requires the offenders to pay a fine.

 

Background

 

Current law specifies a class 2 misdemeanor for racing, a speed competition or contest, acceleration contest, test of physical endurance or exhibition of speed or acceleration, or driving a vehicle for the purpose of making a speed record on a street or highway.  H.B. 2452 enhances the penalties for a first-time conviction of drag racing to a class 1 misdemeanor and establishes a class 6 felony for a subsequent conviction within a 24-month period.

 

Any potential impact on the state general fund is undetermined at this time, although the creation of a new felony level crime may increase demands on the Arizona Department of Corrections.

 

Provisions

 

1.      Increases, from a class 2 misdemeanor to a class 1 misdemeanor, the penalty for a first-time conviction of drag racing and requires a minimum fine of $250.

 

2.      Increases, from a class 2 misdemeanor to a class 6 felony, the penalty for a subsequent conviction of drag racing within a 24-month period and requires a minimum fine of $500.

 

3.      Allows the court to order community service for a person convicted of drag racing.

 

4.      Makes conforming changes.

 

5.      Provides for a general effective date.

 

House Action

 

JUD           1/29/02      DPA                10-0-0-0

JUD           2/12/02      DPA/SE           10-0-0-0

on rereferral

3rd Read     3/27/02                              41-15-4-0

 

Prepared by Senate Staff

April 5, 2002