Street Racing Bill By Bucks Lawmaker Going To Governor

LOWER BUCKS COUNTY, PA —A bill to increase penalties for street racing has now passed the PA Senate and is headed to Gov. Josh Shapiro's desk.

State Reps. K.C. Tomlinson and Joe Hogan, along with Sen. Frank Farry, said the legislation strengthening the penalties for street racing passed the Senate by a bipartisan vote of 48-1 last Wednesday.

House Bill 2266 now awaits action from the governor.

The bill would update the penalties that exist for street racing, by increasing the fine from $250 up to $2,000 per violation and taking the driver’s vehicle away on any second or supplementary violations.

The legislation would also create new penalties for those who organize a street race, including charging them with a third-degree felony if anyone is seriously hurt or killed during a street race.

“I am thrilled to see this important legislation has been passed by the Senate and is now heading to the governor’s desk,” Tomlinson said. “This modernizes the existing law, while also creating new punishments for those who set up these dangerous street racing events. Since day one, I have been committed to making our communities safer and House Bill 2266 does just that.”

“This is another example of Bucks County working together to improve lives. Thank you to Rep. Tomlinson for her leadership on this issue,” Hogan said. “House Bill 2266 would keep our streets safer by working to eliminate dangerous street racing activities. I hope Gov. Shapiro acts swiftly to sign this legislation, which received strong, bipartisan support in both chambers.”

Farry said he authored similar legislation in the Senate to address this growing problem of street racing in cities and suburbs,” said Farry, adding that he hoped to give law enforcement the proper tools to swiftly address this problem.