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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 1108

Legislative bill overview

HB 1108 addresses law enforcement practices regarding motorcycle riders, specifically targeting what sponsors characterize as "motorcycle profiling"—the practice of stopping or investigating riders based primarily on motorcycle ownership or riding group affiliation rather than specific criminal activity. The bill would restrict peace officers from initiating stops or investigations based solely on these factors without additional evidence of unlawful conduct.

Why is this important

Motorcycle clubs and riders argue they face disproportionate scrutiny and stops based on appearance, patches, or group membership rather than actual violations. This bill attempts to balance public safety concerns (some motorcycle groups do engage in organized criminal activity) against civil liberties protections for the thousands of law-abiding riders. The outcome affects police discretion, community relations, and potential legal liability for departments.

Potential points of contention

  • Law enforcement perspective: Police argue that certain motorcycle gang affiliations are legitimate investigative indicators linked to organized crime, and restricting this tool hampers their ability to prevent violent crime and drug trafficking
  • Definition ambiguity: The bill's language around what constitutes impermissible "profiling" versus lawful investigative practices based on gang intelligence may be vague, creating enforcement and litigation challenges
  • Civil liberties vs. public safety trade-off: Tension between protecting riders from discriminatory treatment and maintaining police capacity to investigate organized criminal groups that may use motorcycles as part of their operations

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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