Banning Street Takeovers (S 3042)

We opposed legislation that would make it a felony to engage in so-called "street takeovers," and create a sentence enhancement for any person who engages in disorderly conduct while wearing a mask. We noted that it is already illegal to "obstruct a public street, road or highway" or to "engage in reckless operation of a vehicle in violation of the provisions of chapter 27 of title 31." Turning this conduct into a felony -- especially when this conduct is likely the type of activity being engaged in by young people -- is unnecessarily and overly harsh and should be rejected. We also noted that it is difficult to think of a reason to enhance a penalty for minor misconduct merely because the person is wearing a mask.