House committee approves bill that would make Louisville's street racing ordinance state law

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- A Kentucky House committee approved a bill Wednesday that would make Louisville's street racing ordinance a state law.

House Bill 465, co-sponsored by Rep. Beverly-Chester Burton, D-Shively, and House Majority Whip Rep. Jason Nemes, R-Middletown, advanced through the House Judiciary Committee with unanimous support.

Similar to Louisville's ordinance, law enforcement would have the authority to impound a vehicle used in street racing for six months and impose a $1,000 fine on the first offense. Kentucky's current penalty for street racing is a $200 fine or a 30-day imprisonment in lieu of a fine.

Nemes said the penalty needs to be increased in an effort to deter street racing across the state, adding that it has become "out of control" in Jefferson County.

"These are people who are deliberately putting citizens' lives in danger," he said. "They know they're doing it, so the first time we're only going to fine them $1,000. I think it should be much higher than that, but that's what we've put as the first offense."

Louisville's ordinance requires drivers to plead their case before the Louisville Code Enforcement Board to get their vehicle back instead of contesting the charge in court.

HB 465 goes a step further than Louisville's ordinance. If a driver who is caught street racing a second time could spend up to 30 days in jail, face a $2,000 fine, and have their vehicle seized to be crushed or sold at auction. Revenue from those vehicles being auctioned would go to the Crime Victims Compensation Board, according to Chester-Burton.

"House Bill 465 is presented today as an effort to address the issue of street racing where it's been significantly affecting my area in Jefferson County," she said. "However, I have had other members throughout the community who have contacted me about street racing."

Louisville Metro Councilwoman Donna Purvis, D-5, testified in support of the bill, and said illegal street racing often involves violence.

"I am sure this is not just a Louisville problem, and for that reason, a message should be sent to the entire state there will be serious consequences for the endangerment of other's lives," Purvis said.

Rep. John Blanton, R-Slayersville, said during Wednesday's committee hearing that while he's supportive of the bill, he wanted to make sure the bill wouldn't "inadvertently ban" the activity of recreational, permitted street racing.

"I want to make sure we don't inadvertently prevent the tourism aspect that's going on in southeast Kentucky where we're doing permitted road racing there," Blanton said.

Nemes confirmed the bill only impacts illegal activities, and said there are provisions in the bill that makes recreational road racing exempt.

The House Judiciary Committee approved the bill by a 15-0 vote. Rep. TJ Roberts, R-Burlington, opted to vote pass "due to constitutionality concerns over the seizure provision in the bill," and said he wanted to research the matter further.

HB 465 now heads to the full House, where it has to pass the floor before it could be sent to the Senate.

To read more about HB 465 click here.

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