Georgia House Bill HB1390

Georgia 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/19/26
• Report Pass: 2/24/26

Caption

Motor vehicles; declare vehicles used in the commission of reckless stunt driving offenses contraband and authorize forfeiture

Impact

One significant aspect of HB1390 is the provision allowing for potential hardship exceptions. The bill states that if a vehicle, which is the only family vehicle, is subject to forfeiture, a court may transfer the title of the vehicle to another family member under certain conditions. This exception aims to mitigate the impact of vehicle forfeiture on families who rely on such vehicles for transportation and employment, thereby introducing a more considerate approach within the stricter legislative framework.

Summary

House Bill 1390 aims to amend the existing Code Section 40-6-390.1 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, which pertains to reckless stunt driving. The bill proposes to declare any motor vehicle involved in the commission of such offenses as contraband, thus subjecting it to forfeiture. This legislative move is designed to deter reckless driving behaviors by imposing stricter consequences on offenders, specifically targeting repeat violators who endanger public safety on the roads.

Contention

There are likely points of contention surrounding HB1390, particularly regarding the balance between public safety and individual rights. Critics may argue that declaring vehicles as contraband could disproportionately affect families that depend on a single vehicle for daily needs and economic stability. The ability for courts to consider financial hardship represents a potential legal battleground, as it brings forth questions about fairness in enforcement and the subjective nature of hardship determinations.