Gov. Abbott signs street racing, street takeover bills in Fort Worth
FORT WORTH, Texas - Texas Governor Greg Abbott was in Fort Worth on Wednesday to ceremonially sign new bills meant to crack down on street racing and street takeovers in the state. He actually signed the bills two months ago.
Fort Worth Mayor Mattie Parker, Texas Department of Public Safety Director Steve McCraw, Tarrant County Sheriff Bill Waybourn, Fort Worth Police Chief Neil Noakes, members of the Texas Legislature, law enforcement officials and other public safety advocates attended the event.
"A growing problem that we have in our communities is illegal street racing and street takeovers. Law enforcement need more tools to curb this criminal activity that threatens the safety of everyone around this type of criminal activity," Abbott said. "Under these laws, law enforcement now have the authority to seize the vehicles and contraband used in the commission of these crimes."
Mayor Parker said the issues caused by street racing and takeover have been felt in her city.
"Right here in Fort Worth, we lost a wonderful young couple who had three children. Ben and Meg Arbour were lost right here in Fort Worth," said Parker.
The Arbours were killed when they were hit by a street racer in 2020.
The new bills are House Bill 1442 and House Bill 2899.
HB 1442 gives more prosecutors more ways to pursue organized racing and takeover events in the state.
HB 2899 allows law enforcement to impound vehicles that race on a highway or are involved in reckless driving.
"If you do the donuts, you do the time," Gov. Abbott said.
One aspect of the new laws says that people who post illegal stunting videos can be fined or even arrested.
"Come Sept. 1, if you facilitate, if you cooperate, if you take video of it, if you upload video or a culpable of a crime, come Sept. 1, make no mistake about it," McCraw said. "The statute of limitations is three years. We’ve got plenty of time to find you, and we will find you."
"This is a cooperative effort to fight back against the dangerous street racing, the dangerous street takeover by criminals who pose a significant threat to public safety," Chief Noakes said.
Chief Noakes points out five recent arrests involving dangerous activity were the result of several agencies working together.
Street takeover task force to crack down on organized events in Texas
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott announced the start of a task force designed to put a stop to dangerous street takeovers that are becoming more popular across the state.
Sheriff Waybourn also shared a message.
"We want to make it perfectly clear that we’re coming after you. The light will be on at the jail house and regardless of jail overcrowding will always room for them because they are a clear danger to the community," he said.
Earlier this year, Abbott announced the start of a statewide task force to combat street takeovers.
There have been several instances across North Texas, including in Fort Worth, Grapevine and Euless.
The governor's office said the task force focused on the "organized crime aspect" of the street takeovers.