House Bill 1449 aims to amend various sections of the Tennessee Code Annotated to address street drag racing and related activities. The bill specifically changes the terminology from "drag racing" to "street drag racing" throughout the relevant statutes. It introduces new definitions, including "drifting," which refers to the act of steering a vehicle to create a skid, and expands the definition of a "participant" in street drag racing to include not only drivers but also those who organize or promote such events. Additionally, the bill establishes that reckless endangerment by street drag racing is classified as a Class E felony.

The bill also outlines the consequences for vehicles involved in street drag racing, allowing for impoundment and potential seizure upon conviction. It mandates that law enforcement officers must take arrested individuals before a magistrate rather than issuing citations. Other amendments include updates to the language regarding the locations where street drag racing can occur and the associated penalties. The changes are set to take effect on July 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 55-10-501(1), 55-10-501, 55-10-501(1)(E), 55-10-502(a), 55-10-502, 55-10-503, 39-13-103(b), 39-13-103, 7-3-312(b)(4), 7-3-312, 39-13-213(a)(3), 39-13-213, 40-4-122(b)(4), 40-4-122, 55-10-206(b), 55-10-206, 55-10-306(b)(2), 55-10-306, 55-10-307(b)(4), 55-10-307, 68-55-306