Bill > A08867

This bill enacts the New York State Vehicle Security Circumvention Device Act, which aims to combat car theft by prohibiting the manufacture, sale, offering to sell, or possession of specific electronic devices used to illegally access or start vehicles. Specifically, the bill defines two types of devices: motor vehicle key programming/emulating devices (which can electronically program or copy a vehicle's key fob) and relay attack devices (which can intercept key fob signals to unlock or start a vehicle). The legislation provides exemptions for lawful uses by law enforcement, insurance investigators, licensed vehicle dealers, mechanics, locksmiths, and repossession agencies. Violations are considered a class E felony, with penalties including potential fines up to $5,000 or a class A misdemeanor. The bill also requires authorized users of these devices to report lost or stolen devices to law enforcement within 48 hours. The legislative intent emphasizes addressing modern car theft tactics, noting that over 850,000 vehicles were stolen in 2024, often by organized crime rings using sophisticated technological methods. The act is designed to give law enforcement additional tools to combat increasingly complex vehicle theft techniques.

Transportation and Infrastructure

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A8867