The Springfield Mayor has submitted written testimony on proposed legislation addressing the increase in illegal dirt bikes in the city. The measure was filed in the last legislative session –but went nowhere in the legislature. The Mayor is hoping for a better outcome in this session.
Mayor Sarno states, “Again, I want to thank State Representative Orlando Ramos for filing and supporting this public safety and quality of life legislation. Due to the constraints of the law, when our brave and dedicated men and women of our Springfield Police Department seize and confiscate these illegal bikes, if the original owner doesn’t come forward – which many don’t, the bikes legally have to go into an auction where they just end up back on our streets to terrorize our neighborhoods and residents again, and the cycle keeps repeating itself. This pending legislation would give the City of Springfield the means and authority to truly help address this ongoing issue by petitioning the superior court to order forfeiture of these illegal recreation vehicles operating on our public roads. Once approved by the court, the city can then move forward and destroy these recreational vehicles that are seized and confiscated while illegally operating on our public streets, thus eliminating the vehicle from further terrorizing our streets, residents and businesses.”
A legislative hearing is set for Tuesday.