Bill
Bill > HF1261
MN HF1261
MN HF1261Penalty for tampering with a motor vehicle increased, and crime for riding in a vehicle when the person reasonably should have known that a vehicle was taken without permission established.
summary
Introduced
02/20/2025
02/20/2025
In Committee
02/20/2025
02/20/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
94th Legislature 2025-2026
Bill Summary
A bill for an act relating to public safety; increasing the penalty for tampering with a motor vehicle; establishing a crime for riding in a vehicle when the person reasonably should have known that a vehicle was taken without permission; amending Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 609.546.
AI Summary
This bill modifies Minnesota's motor vehicle tampering law by expanding the criminal liability for individuals riding in or entering a vehicle without the owner's permission. Specifically, the bill changes the language from "knowing" that a vehicle was taken without permission to "knows or reasonably should know" that the vehicle was taken without permission, which broadens the potential scope of prosecution. The offense is classified as a gross misdemeanor, which typically carries more serious penalties than a standard misdemeanor. Additionally, the bill includes an effective date of August 1, 2025, meaning the new provisions will apply to crimes committed on or after that date. The change aims to create stronger legal deterrents against unauthorized vehicle use by making it easier to prosecute passengers who are aware they are in a vehicle that has been taken without the owner's consent.
Committee Categories
Justice
Sponsors (6)
Aaron Repinski (R)*,
Ben Davis (R),
Bidal Duran (R),
Erica Schwartz (R),
Thomas Sexton (R),
Terry Stier (R),
Last Action
Author added Sexton (on 03/10/2025)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
Loading...
bill summary
Loading...
bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://www.revisor.mn.gov/bills/bill.php?b=House&f=HF1261&ssn=0&y=2025 |
| BillText | https://www.revisor.mn.gov/bills/text.php?number=HF1261&version=0&session=ls94&session_year=2025&session_number=0&format=pdf |
Loading...