A measure co-sponsored by two Bucks County Republican lawmakers for stiffer penalties on those convicted of illegal street racing is on its’ way to the Governor’s desk.
Earlier this year state Reps. KC Tomlinson and Joe Hogan introduced HB 2266 which sought to increase penalties for illegal street racing and the organization of those events. Modeled after proposed legislation by the city of Philadelphia, it increases monetary fines, and allows, following subsequent convictions, law enforcement to seize the vehicle(s) involved.
When introducing the measure, Tomlinson said Bensalem Police responded to 40 street racing incidents in the 18 month period prior to introducing the measure.
Car rallies as they are called were reported in Bristol Township and Middletown Township in 2023 and at Neshaminy Mall. The one that gained national attention is from June of 2023, in which Pennsylvania State Police (PSP) shot and killed an 18 year old from Delaware County during a rally at Penn’s Landing in Philadelphia. The ralliers were blocking the I-85 so they could fish tail and spin their vehicles in circles. One of the many drivers participating Anthony Allegrini Jr. was ordered to stop by PSP, striking two troopers before one of them fired into the car killing him, according to an array of media accounts.
Both lawmakers said holding organizers of the races will also be a handy tool for law enforcement to use.
The bill passed the House in June with bipartisan support and just passed the Senate with overwhelming bipartisan support, Hogan and Tomlinson said
It now heads to Governor Shapiro’s desk where he is expected to sign it into law.
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