BILL ANALYSIS Ó
SB 510
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Date of Hearing: August 19, 2015
ASSEMBLY COMMITTEE ON APPROPRIATIONS
Jimmy Gomez, Chair
SB 510
(Hall) - As Amended July 15, 2015
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Urgency: No State Mandated Local Program: YesReimbursable:
Yes
SUMMARY:
This bill:
SB 510
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1)Requires, rather than authorizes, a vehicle to be impounded
for 30 days if a person is convicted of engaging in a motor
vehicle speed contest or reckless driving.
2)Authorizes the court to waive the 30-day impoundment
requirement if it is determined that the impoundment of the
vehicle will impose an undue hardship upon the registered
owner's family.
3)Requires that a vehicle impounded as the result of a speed
contest conviction and cited for equipment violations to be
repaired within 30 days of the date the vehicle is released
from impoundment, as specified.
FISCAL EFFECT:
Any costs to local law enforcement agencies, though
reimbursable, should be minor and would not likely result in a
state mandate claim by any individual entity.
COMMENTS:
Purpose. SB 510 aims to reduce the number of illegal street
races by requiring a mandatory 30-day vehicle impoundment if a
court convicts a driver of participating in such a race.
Currently, law enforcement and courts may impound vehicles
involved in illegal street racing; however, drivers have the
ability to retrieve their vehicles through a variety of methods.
Providing a clear, mandatory 30-day vehicle impoundment upon
conviction of illegal street racing will eliminate a person's
ability to retrieve their vehicle prior to its scheduled release
date and payment of penalties. Additionally, this bill requires
the convicted driver to remove any illegal modifications within
SB 510
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30 days of the vehicle's release if cited by a law enforcement
officer at the time the race occurred.
SB 510 similarly imposes the 30-day vehicle impoundment
requirement on vehicles involved in illegal reckless driving
activities otherwise known as "sideshows." Increasing in
popularity, a "sideshow" involves participants setting up
blockades on a highway with drivers engaging in dangerous
driving behavior including "spinning donuts" or the "burning" of
tires.
Analysis Prepared by:Chuck Nicol / APPR. / (916)
319-2081