What's happening
Michelle and Jordan's law increases penalties for repeat speed contest offenses, making a second conviction a class E felony with harsher imprisonment.
Why it matters
Treats repeat offenses more seriously. By making a second speed contest conviction within 12 months a felony, the law signals that repeated street racing is not just a traffic offense but a serious crime, with lasting legal consequences such as a felony record.
Potential deterrent effect. Harsher penalties, including the threat of over a year in prison, may discourage individuals from participating in illegal street races multiple times, possibly reducing dangerous driving behavior and related accidents.
Broader impacts on offenders. Felony convictions can limit future employment, housing, and civic participation (like voting), so this law could have significant life-long consequences for those convicted under it, especially compared to the previous misdemeanor status.
Empowers law enforcement and the courts. The change provides police and prosecutors with stronger tools to address repeat offenders, which could streamline prosecution and potentially lead to more plea deals or longer sentences for those who continue to race illegally.
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Who cares
Headline styles
Tougher Penalties for Street Racing
Plain English, a few words. Used as the page title.
Sponsors
No co-sponsors yet.
History
- Referred to transportation
- Referred to transportation
Full text
1 pageUnderlined is new[Struck] is removedOfficial text on nysenate.gov ↗
STATE OF NEW YORK
1754
2019-2020 Regular Sessions
IN SENATE
January 16, 2019
Introduced by Sen. LANZA -- read twice and ordered printed, and when printed to be committed to the Committee on Transportation
AN ACT to enact "Michelle and Jordan's law"; and to amend the vehicle and traffic law, in relation to speed contests and races
The People of the State of New York, represented in Senate and Assembly, do enact as follows:
Section 1. Short title. This act shall be known and may be cited as "Michelle and Jordan's law".
§ 2. Subdivision 2 of section 1182 of the vehicle and traffic law, as amended by section 9 of part C of chapter 62 of the laws of 2003, is amended to read as follows:
2. 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 [not more than six months] 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.
§ 3. This act shall take effect on the one hundred eightieth day after it shall have become a law. Effective immediately the commissioner of motor vehicles may add, amend, or repeal any rule or regulation necessary for the timely implementation of this act on its effective date.
EXPLANATION--Matter in italics (underscored) is new; matter in brackets
[ ] is old law to be omitted.
LBD07443-01-9
Reflowed for reading: line numbers and page breaks removed. Cite the official text.
Sponsor's memo
Title of bill
An act to enact "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."
Read the full memo (623 words)
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 twen- ty-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 in two, 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
2018: S.6302 - Passed Senate / A.6452 - Referred to Transportation
2017: S.6302 - Passed Senate / A.6452 - Referred to Transportation
2016: S.3732 - Passed Senate / A.2809 - Referred to Transportation
2015: S.3732 - Passed Senate / A.2809 - Referred to transportation
2012: S.2938 - Passed Senate
2011: S.2938 - Passed Senate
2010: S.3007 - Reported to Codes / A.8438 - Referred to Transportation
2009: S.3007 - Reported to Codes / A.8438 - Referred to Transportation
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 vehi- cles 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.