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Council introduces bill to criminalize motor-vehicle takeovers, aligns penalties with state law
Summary
CB 12-2026 would ban motor vehicle takeover events and related exhibitions within Prince George's County and establish penalties and definitions; the public-safety committee voted unanimously in favor and police witnesses supported the bill.
Prince George's County Council introduced CB 12-2026 to prohibit unlawful speed contests, exhibition driving, stunt driving and "motor vehicle takeover events." Committee chair Fisher summarized the bill as creating the offense of organizing or participating in a takeover event, prohibiting attendance at such events, providing definitions, establishing penalties and aligning county penalties with state law.
Committee testimony included support from representatives of the Prince George's County Police Department and the office of law, which said the legislation falls within the county's authority. The sponsor and committee said the county was aligning penalties with state law for drivers; because the state is silent on participants, the committee set a 60-day term for participant penalties to ensure compliance.
The public-safety, health and human services committee voted 3-0 to move CB 12-2026 favorably to the council for introduction. The bill was introduced during the council session with several council members added as sponsors.
Why it matters: the measure responds to documented public-safety hazards associated with takeover events and seeks to close legal gaps by specifying offenses and penalties for organizers, drivers and attendees.
Next steps: CB 12-2026 stands introduced; additional drafting and consideration may follow in committee and the council before final adoption.
