Relating to the forfeiture of contraband relating to the criminal offense of racing on a highway.
Impact
The law would modify existing statutes in the Code of Criminal Procedure and specifically impact how contraband tied to illegal racing is defined and handled. The alteration in the law reflects an effort to enhance the tools available for law enforcement agencies in Texas to combat dangerous racing practices actively. This legislative action indicates a commitment to improving public safety and reducing incidents of reckless driving, potentially leading to fewer accidents on the roads attributed to racing behavior.
Summary
House Bill 2315 relates to the forfeiture of contraband connected to the criminal offense of racing on highways. The bill seeks to amend the definition of 'contraband' within the Code of Criminal Procedure to broaden the scope of property that can be seized in relation to contraband used in racing. This update is aimed at facilitating more effective law enforcement efforts against illegal racing, contributing to overall highway safety in Texas. By specifying properties that can be classified as contraband, the bill empowers authorities to act swiftly in seizing vehicles and assets associated with such activities.
Sentiment
The sentiment toward HB 2315 appears to be generally favorable among legislators advocating for public safety measures. Supporters emphasize the importance of this bill in preventing the dangers associated with street racing. However, there may be some contention among opponents who argue for civil liberties and due process concerns regarding the broader definitions of contraband, fearing that this could lead to unwarranted seizures and undermine individual rights.
Contention
Notable points of contention include discussions about the implications of seized property and the potential for abuse of power by law enforcement. As the definition of contraband broadens, critics question whether the law could result in disproportionate actions against individuals without due process. The concerns are rooted in the balance between protecting public safety and ensuring that civil liberties are not compromised, underscoring an ongoing debate about the role of law enforcement in regulating private behavior on public highways.
Relating to the prosecution of certain criminal conduct involving a reckless driving exhibition or racing on a highway and to the forfeiture of contraband as a result of a reckless driving exhibition or racing on a highway.
Relating to the prosecution of certain criminal conduct involving a reckless driving exhibition or racing on a highway and to the forfeiture of contraband as a result of a reckless driving exhibition.
Relating to offenses involving the manufacture or delivery of certain controlled substances and the enforcement and prevention of those offenses; creating a criminal offense.
Relating to the procurement by local governments of energy savings performance contracts for certain conservation measures; creating criminal offenses; authorizing a fee.
Relating to the release of defendants on bail, the duties of a magistrate in certain criminal proceedings, and the appointment of certain criminal law hearing officers; creating a criminal offense.
A bill for an act relating to the penalties for persons who operate a motor vehicle while their operating privileges are denied, canceled, suspended, revoked, or barred.
Reckless driving resulting in great bodily harm or death excluded from list of offenses eligible for automatic expungement, waiting period for petition for expungement reduced from five years to four in cases involving a stay of imposition, and offering forged check offenses clarified to be eligible for expungement.