Bill > HF326

This bill amends Minnesota's criminal statutes to create a new misdemeanor offense of knowingly being present in a stolen motor vehicle. Under the proposed law, if a person enters or is found in a vehicle they know or should reasonably know was stolen, they would be charged with a misdemeanor. If the individual has a prior conviction for the same offense, the subsequent violation would be classified as a gross misdemeanor, which typically carries more significant penalties. The bill is designed to address the issue of individuals intentionally riding in or remaining in stolen vehicles, potentially deterring participation in vehicle theft. The new provision will become effective on August 1, 2025, and will apply to crimes committed on or after that date, giving law enforcement and the judicial system time to prepare for the implementation of this new legal standard. By creating this specific offense, the legislation aims to provide law enforcement with an additional tool to combat motor vehicle theft and discourage individuals from associating with stolen vehicles.

Justice

https://www.revisor.mn.gov/bills/bill.php?b=House&f=HF0326&ssn=0&y=2025