South Dayton News

COLUMBUS – A bill sponsored by State Representatives Phil Plummer (R-Dayton) and Andrea White (R-Kettering) aimed at increasing penalties for street takeovers, reckless driving, and fleeing law enforcement has passed the Ohio Senate unanimously and received a concurrent vote in the House on Wednesday night.

The phenomenon of "hooning" has been troubling metropolitan areas across Ohio. This involves dozens of cars taking over city streets to perform dangerous stunts as hundreds of citizens watch nearby. House Bill 56 addresses this issue by adding "stunt driving" to the definition of street racing, targeting activities such as donuts, burnouts, drifting, and wheelies on public roadways. The bill also increases penalties for drivers who flee from law enforcement after committing felonies. Additionally, it specifies that individuals who knowingly participate in street takeovers by blocking or impeding traffic will face the same charges as those performing the stunts.

"This bill will help restore law and order back on our roadways," said Plummer. "It will hold violators accountable for reckless behavior and increase penalties for individuals who flee from the police."

"Ohio cities are experiencing an internet-fueled craze of reckless driving and street takeovers that have already injured and killed citizens, damaged property, and wasted precious law enforcement time that could be spent protecting and responding to other crises throughout our communities," said White. "Our local law enforcement asked for more tools to respond and protect citizens, and this bill is the first step toward addressing these concerns to help keep our communities safe."

The legislation imposes a fourth-degree felony for willfully eluding or fleeing a police officer using a motor vehicle or a third-degree felony if the flight occurs immediately after committing a felony.

The bill also requires that law enforcement entities consider pursuit policy standards and best practice recommendations from the Ohio Collaborative Community-Police Advisory Board or similar accrediting entity, ensuring peace officers are trained on these policies.

The legislation now awaits the governor’s signature.