City prosecutors, police and public-safety officials presented a proposed ordinance intended to curb street racing, ‘‘sideshows’’ and stunt driving on city streets, and the council heard extended public testimony both for and against the measure.

Kevin Schlumpf, City Prosecutor, described the proposed ordinance as a tool to address gatherings that block streets, create large crowds and produce dangerous driving behavior. The draft ordinance would create a specific offense for organized street racing and stunt driving, allow fines and provide authority to tow and impound vehicles connected to the activity. Schlumpf and Omaha Police Captain Mark Desler said vehicle impoundment can immediately stop an event and act as a deterrent.

Supporters at the hearing — including Douglas County Sheriff Aaron Hanson, driving instructors and neighborhood residents — urged stronger enforcement and said towing and impoundment would help stop repeat events. Pat Vendetti of Cornhusker Driving School urged stronger penalties and suggested vehicle confiscation on a first offense.

Opponents raised legal and practical objections. Joy Kathurima of the ACLU of Nebraska said she was concerned the impoundment provision imposes a punitive penalty before conviction, could punish owners whose vehicles were used without their knowledge, and risks broad discretionary enforcement of the ‘‘spectator’’ definition. A public commenter who addressed the council by Zoom noted the county sheriff has used impoundment in some cases and warned codifying the practice could invite litigation. Other opponents pointed out the city’s staffing shortage in traffic enforcement and argued additional ordinances have limited effect without sufficient personnel to enforce them.

Council members and prosecutors discussed an amendment of the whole to add explicit language addressing engine noise and a clearer definition of ‘‘drag race’’ and said they expect further adjustments to address civil‑liberties and enforcement concerns. Captain Desler said the Traffic Unit supports the ordinance as a tool and that impoundment can stop ongoing events immediately; the department noted the unit handles both large-event traffic control and a crash investigation squad.

The public hearing closed without a recorded vote. Councilmembers asked city legal staff and the city prosecutor to refine language, consider the constitutional questions raised by opponents and balance enforcement discretion against civil‑liberty concerns before any final vote.