House Bill 1449, also known as Senate Bill 1474, aims to amend various sections of the Tennessee Code Annotated related to street drag racing. The bill specifically changes the terminology from "drag racing" to "street drag racing" throughout multiple sections, including definitions and penalties. It introduces new provisions that define "drifting" and expands the definition of a "participant" in street drag racing to include not only drivers but also those who organize or promote such activities. Additionally, the bill establishes that vehicles used in street drag racing can be impounded and subject to seizure upon conviction, and it mandates that law enforcement officers must take arrested individuals before a magistrate rather than issuing citations.

Furthermore, the bill classifies reckless endangerment by street drag racing as a Class E felony, thereby increasing the legal consequences for such actions. It also updates the language in several sections to ensure consistency in the terminology used throughout the law. The changes are set to take effect on July 1, 2026, emphasizing the state's commitment to addressing the dangers associated with street drag racing and related reckless behaviors.

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