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History
- Reported and committed to codes
- Referred to transportation
- Reported and committed to codes
- Referred to transportation
Companion bill
The same bill in the other chamber. A bill becomes law when one version passes both houses and the governor signs it, so either number can carry it.
Establishes Michelle and Jordan's law and relates to the penalties for participating in an unlawful speed contest or race
In Assembly Committee · Transportation · Sponsor Matthew Titone
Full text
The text isn't available here yet. Check nysenate.gov.
Sponsor's memo
Title of bill
An act enacting "Michelle and Jordan's Law"; and to amend the vehicle and traffic law, in relation to speed contests and races
Purpose
Establishes Michelle and Jordan's law and relates to the penalties for participating in an unlawful speed contest or race.
Summary of provisions
Section 1. Short title. This act shall be known and may be cited as "Michelle and Jordan's Law." Section 2. Section 1182 of the vehicle and traffic law as amended by chapter 594 of the laws of 1987, subdivisions 1 and 2 as amended by section 9 of part C of chapter 62 of the laws of 2003, is amended to include speed contests and laces. Violations of any of the provisions of this section shall constitute a class A misdemeanor and be punishable by imprisonment of not more than thirty days or a fine of not less than three hundred dollars nor more than five hundred twenty-five dollars, or both such fine and imprisonment. Subsection 2 provides that a second conviction within twelve months of a violation of this section shall constitute a class E felony and shall be punishable by imprisonment of up to one year and one day or a fine of not less than five hundred twenty-five dollars nor more than seven hundred fifty dollars, or both such fine and imprisonment. Section 3. This act shall take effect on the one hundred eightieth day after it shall have become a law, provided that the commissioner of motor vehicles is immediately authorized and directed to promulgate, amend and/or repeal any rules and regulations necessary to implement the provisions of this act on its effective date.
Justification
A tragic incident on Staten Island occurred that left a seventeen year old girl dead and her boyfriend critically injured, due to a high speed race contest. The crash occurred when a group of four friends driving a Honda Accord got involved in a race with three other friends, traveling in a Ford Mustang. As the Honda reached speeds as high as 95 mph, the driver lost control and slammed into the Mustang. The car smashed into the metal post, slicing the car into, sending both passengers in the back seat, who were not wearing their seatbelts, flying into the woods. The girl was killed and the boy was left critically injured. Studies have concluded that speeding increases the likelihood and severity of a crash. The faster a vehicle is moving, the less time the driver has to react to a hazard, and for other road users to react to that vehicle. A speeding vehicle requires more time and distance to stop, and is harder to control. Creating legislation that mandates harsher punishments for speed racing is crucial to reduce the number of traffic fatalities in New York State, as well as in the United States.
Legislative history
2008: S.8020 - Passed Senate
Fiscal implications
None.
Effective date
This act shall take effect on the one hundred eightieth day after it shall have become a law, provided that the commissioner of motor vehicles is immediately authorized and directed to promulgate, amend and/or repeal any rules and regulations necessary to implement the provisions of this act on its effective date.
Summaries, headlines and scores are AI-generated from the official bill text. How we score bills. Source: NYS Open Legislation.