Bill > HB1449

This bill renames the criminal offense of "drag racing" to "street drag racing" and expands its definition to include acts committed on commercial property, such as shopping centers, and also covers motor vehicle drifting stunts or reckless driving for spectators. The bill clarifies that communication about these activities can now be made on social media platforms in addition to oral or written communication. It also broadens the definition of a "participant" to include anyone who arranges, organizes, promotes, supervises, or sets in motion street drag racing, not just the drivers. Furthermore, vehicles used in street drag racing or to flee from such an offense can be impounded for evidence collection and are subject to seizure and forfeiture, with all towing and impounding fees assessed against the offender. Law enforcement officers are now prohibited from issuing a citation in lieu of continued custody for street drag racing arrests, requiring the arrested person to be brought before a magistrate. The bill also designates reckless endangerment by street drag racing as a Class E felony.