Senate Bill No. 1284, also known as Public Act No. 25-80, enhances municipal authority over the regulation of certain vehicles, including snowmobiles, all-terrain vehicles, dirt bikes, and mini-motorcycles, particularly in relation to illegal use and street takeovers. The bill introduces new provisions allowing municipalities to seize and forfeit these vehicles for ordinance violations, while ensuring protections for owners and lienholders who are unaware of such violations. Municipalities are now required to notify owners or lienholders through their website and mail prior to forfeiture, granting them a 90-day period to reclaim their vehicles. Additionally, vehicles that are forfeited can be sold at public auction or destroyed, with proceeds directed to the municipality's general fund. The bill also establishes regulations against street takeovers, permitting municipalities to impose penalties and allowing for the impounding of vehicles involved in such events until fines are settled.

Moreover, the bill amends penalties associated with motor vehicle violations, particularly for individuals under eighteen, introducing new suspension periods for operator's licenses based on the nature and frequency of violations. It escalates penalties for repeat offenders and modifies the classification of offenses, establishing certain violations as class D felonies or class A misdemeanors, with mandatory fines of at least two thousand dollars. The bill also increases the maximum penalty for violations of local ordinances from two hundred fifty dollars to two thousand dollars, provided that local governments have established appropriate payment and hearing procedures. This change broadens the scope of enforceable local regulations and enhances local governance by empowering municipalities to manage penalties for ordinance violations more effectively.

Statutes affected:
Raised Bill: 14-390, 14-390m
JUD Joint Favorable: 14-390, 14-390m
File No. 732: 14-390, 14-390m
File No. 981: 14-390, 14-390m
Public Act No. 25-80: 14-390, 14-390m