New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

New York Assembly Bill A02694

Introduced
1/22/25  
Refer
1/22/25  

Caption

Prohibits street takeovers and sideshows; imposes imprisonment of not more than six months, a fine of one thousand dollars, or both such fine and imprisonment for a violation of such prohibition.

Summary

Bill A02694 seeks to amend the vehicle and traffic law in New York by prohibiting street takeovers and sideshows, defined as illegal gatherings of cars performing reckless driving acts, stunts, or speed contests. The bill establishes that engaging in or spectating such events on highways is illegal, and sets forth penalties for violations, which may include imprisonment for up to six months, a fine of up to one thousand dollars, or both. This legislation aims to enhance public safety and reduce reckless driving behaviors associated with these gatherings.

Impact

If enacted, this bill will introduce new legal prohibitions against street takeovers and sideshows, thereby amending existing vehicle and traffic laws. It will create a new misdemeanor offense, which could lead to increased enforcement actions by law enforcement agencies against participants and spectators of such events. The bill's penalties may also serve as a deterrent to individuals considering participating in or organizing these gatherings.

Sentiment

The general sentiment surrounding Bill A02694 appears to be supportive among lawmakers concerned about public safety and the dangers posed by street takeovers and sideshows. However, there may be some opposition from individuals who argue that the bill could infringe on personal freedoms or that it may not effectively address the underlying issues of reckless driving.

Contention

Notable points of contention may arise from discussions about the enforcement of the bill and its potential impact on community gatherings. Some lawmakers may express concerns about the bill's implications for personal liberties, while others may emphasize the need for stricter measures to ensure public safety. The balance between enforcement and community engagement could be a significant topic of debate.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

NY S3042

Bans street takeovers and violators would be guilty of a felony and punishable by imprisonment for more than one year and be subject to a fine of not less than one thousand dollars ($1,000) nor more than five thousand dollars ($5,000).

NY A07950

Provides that the penalty for the abandonment of animals is a misdemeanor, punishable by imprisonment for not more than one year, or by a fine of not less than five hundred dollars nor more than one thousand dollars, or by both.

NY A11276

Increases the penalty of knowingly violating the provisions relating to the appropriate shelter for dogs from a violation to a misdemeanor, punishable by imprisonment for not more than one year, or by a fine not less than five hundred dollars nor more than one thousand dollars, or by both.

NY S01741

Provides that the penalty for the abandonment of animals is a misdemeanor, punishable by imprisonment for not more than one year, or by a fine of not less than five hundred dollars nor more than one thousand dollars, or by both.

NY S01742

Increases the penalty of knowingly violating the provisions relating to the appropriate shelter for dogs from a violation to a misdemeanor, punishable by imprisonment for not more than one year, or by a fine not less than five hundred dollars nor more than one thousand dollars, or by both.

NY S10059

Enacts "Brendon's law" to prohibit participation, including spectators within two hundred feet, of any motor vehicle speed contest, sideshow and street takeovers; authorizes seizure and forfeiture; adds damaging an authorized emergency vehicle as constituting the crime of criminal mischief in the third degree.

NY A06986

Enacts "Brendon's law" to prohibit participation, including spectators within two hundred feet, of any motor vehicle speed contest, sideshow and street takeovers; authorizes seizure and forfeiture; adds damaging an authorized emergency vehicle as constituting the crime of criminal mischief in the third degree.

NY S00298

Makes the failure to provide food, water or appropriate shelter to a companion animal (dogs and cats) left outside a felony punishable by a fine of not more than $5,000, or imprisonment for not more than 2 years, or by both such fine and imprisonment.

NY S01045

Makes the failure to provide food, water or appropriate shelter to a companion animal (dogs and cats) left outside a felony punishable by a fine of not more than $5,000, or imprisonment for not more than 2 years, or by both such fine and imprisonment.

NY A08759

Imposes fines of up to ten thousand dollars per hour on businesses which are found to have skimming devices operating at such business for more than one hour.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.