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Senate approves tougher penalties and written chase policies in SB 79
Summary
The Senate passed SB 79 to increase penalties for failing to stop for peace officers, authorize vehicle forfeiture in some cases, and require written interagency chase policies and officer training to reduce dangerous pursuits.
Senate Bill 79, which raises penalties for failing to stop for peace officers and mandates written pursuit policies, passed the Senate floor and was sent to the House for further action.
Sponsor Senator Lyle Hilliard described the bill as a three‑part response to dangerous pursuits. First, the measure enhances criminal penalties: failure to stop will be upgraded from a class A misdemeanor to a third‑degree felony with a $1,000 minimum fine (the sponsor acknowledged courts may depart in certain cases). If a chase results in serious injury or death, the bill raises penalties further and sets a $5,000 minimum fine. Second, it allows permissive forfeiture of the vehicle used in the offense, with statutory exceptions protecting owners where the vehicle was stolen or encumbered by security interests. Third, the bill directs the Department of Public Safety (with input from other agencies) to develop a written pursuit policy and training; officers will be trained and must comply with the written policy before engaging in pursuits.
Hilliard noted endorsements from major law enforcement agencies and the League of Towns and Cities and emphasized an education component for public awareness. The clerk recorded the floor action as 29 ayes and no nays when the Senate called the question and advanced the bill.
The bill includes provisions for distribution of forfeiture proceeds to the Department of Public Safety for officer training and public awareness campaigns; the sponsor said a small amendment on distribution could be made on third reading.
Next steps: SB 79 will proceed to the House for consideration and, if enacted, will require local agencies to adopt written pursuit policies and update training programs.
