SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) – A bill that would prohibit organized street racing is one step closer to becoming law.
The House Transportation Committee voted 11-0 to pass Senate Bill 116. Two representatives were excused from the vote. Its next stop will be to the full House of Representatives and if passed, sent to Gov. Larry Rhoden’s desk.
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“When vehicles are operated at extreme speeds on public roads, serious and even fatal accidents are a predictable result,” prime sponsor Republican Sen. Sue Peterson said. “Unsanctioned illegal street races and competitions magnify these risks exponentially.”
Under SB 116, if someone drives a vehicle on a public road in an organized, illegal speed competition or exhibition, they can be charged with a Class 1 misdemeanor and have their license revoked for 18 months.
The bill also aims to penalize organizers of street races. Anyone who coordinates and collects money for a speed race or similar exhibition could be charged with a Class 6 felony.
Minnehaha County State’s Attorney Daniel Hager supported the bill and said it will help law enforcement officers crack down on street racing, especially in Sioux Falls.
“This bill really helps strengthen the safety of our public streets. All of us are using those, our children are using them, they must be safe,” Hager added. “What we’ve seen in Sioux Falls, we’ve seen some racing that has resulted in death. We’ve seen the racing that has resulted in dangerous behavior. This is about safety.”
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Spokespeople for the Attorney General’s office, South Dakota Police Chiefs Association and the South Dakota Municipal League were also at the hearing to support SB 116.
Cash Anderson, a lawyer for the South Dakota Criminal Defense Lawyers, spoke in opposition. He claimed the more conduct that is criminalized, that opens the door for more law enforcement contact, including search and seizures.
Anderson also criticized the broad and vague language of the bill.
The bill includes an exemption for races on private land and sanctioned events approved by the Transportation Commission and local authorities, like the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally.
Sioux Falls Mayor Paul TenHaken and Sioux Falls Police Chief Jon Thum both spoke in support of stricter street racing laws at a previous hearing for the bill and with KELOLAND News.
“You may not think it’s dangerous to open up your crotch rocket at 85 down what seems to be an open highway, but a light turns green and someone crosses the intersection and you can end with a death. And so it’s just — it’s not legal behavior. We have speed limits for a reason,” TenHaken said in May.
