Panel advances bill giving police tools to address minibike 'gang' behavior while sponsor agrees to narrow scope

Representative Matthews presented House Bill 561, a refiled measure aimed at making it easier for law enforcement to address hazardous minibike use by minors. The sponsor said the bill focuses on pocket mini motorcycles and excludes mopeds and off‑highway vehicles; language is drafted so officers may treat the vehicles similarly to motorcycles in enforcement.

Committee members raised concerns about breadth and unintended consequences. Senator Brammer urged narrowing the definitions so rural kids who use small bikes for basic transportation would not be criminalized. Senator Fillmore proposed adding a speed threshold to distinguish low‑speed neighborhood devices from vehicles that create public‑safety risk.

The committee discussed impound logistics for vehicles without VINs and how evidence‑locker storage differs from full impound lots. Rachel Brooks of the Office of Legislative Research and General Counsel explained that vehicles with VINs can be impounded and entered into tax‑commission processes; items lacking VINs often end up in evidence storage and the bill applies a $50 administrative fee for retrieval in those cases. Committee members noted statutory caps and typical towing/storage fees and flagged concerns that an impound could cost more than the value of many minibikes.

Public testimony included Trevor Nelson of the Bear River Canal Company, who said minibikes riding on canal roads had caused near‑fatal incidents, crop risks and property damage and urged enforcement tools. After negotiation and a commitment from the sponsor to narrow definitions, add clearer impound rules and consider a speed threshold and parental-liability language, the committee advanced a substitute by a 4–1 vote.

What’s next: The sponsor will draft a narrower substitute that addresses scope, impound procedures and speed definitions before floor consideration.