BILL ANALYSIS

H.B. 2899

By: Plesa

Homeland Security & Public Safety

Committee Report (Unamended)

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Austin and Dallas have recently experienced a series of illegal street racing events known as "street takeovers," which have flooded emergency operators and put bystanders and police officers in danger. The recent events have piqued Governor Abbott's attention, and he has launched a task force to address the situation. These exhibitions have plagued many parts of Texas for years, especially Houston, and have resulted in arrests, property damage, and death. Currently, law enforcement can impound a vehicle involved in street racing only if there was an incident that results in personal injury or property damage. In an effort to further dissuade illegal street racing and street takeovers, H.B. 2899 provides for the impoundment of vehicles used in these events without regard to whether any injury or property damage occurred.

CRIMINAL JUSTICE IMPACT

It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly create a criminal offense, increase the punishment for an existing criminal offense or category of offenses, or change the eligibility of a person for community supervision, parole, or mandatory supervision.

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, department, agency, or institution.

ANALYSIS

H.B. 2899 amends the Transportation Code to make the requirement for a peace officer to have a motor vehicle used in the commission of the offense of racing on a highway impounded as prescribed by law applicable without regard to whether the offense resulted in an accident with property damage or personal injury. The expansion of the applicability of this requirement applies only with respect to an offense committed on or after the bill's effective date, and the bill provides for the continuation of the law in effect before the bill's effective date for purposes of an offense, or any element thereof, that occurred before that date.

EFFECTIVE DATE

On passage, or, if the bill does not receive the necessary vote, September 1, 2023.