Bill > A361

Introduced Session

This bill increases the penalties for the theft of a motor vehicle generally, and, for minors who commit theft of a motor vehicle. The bill upgrades the crime of theft of a motor vehicle to a second degree crime. Under current law theft of a motor vehicle is a crime of the third degree, which is punishable by three to five years imprisonment, a fine of up to $15,000, or both. A second degree crime is punishable by five to 10 years imprisonment, a fine of up to $150,000, or both. The bill also permits a court to order a minor who is convicted of theft or unlawful taking of a motor vehicle to home detention. A minor sentenced to home detention may leave the residence to: (1) attend in-person court appearances; (2) attend in-person probation appointments; (3) attend in-person attorney appointments after providing proper notice; or (4) for any other reason preapproved by court order. Finally, the bill requires courts to hear the case of a minor within 48 hours of the arrest when the minor commits motor vehicle theft, unlawful taking of a motor vehicle (joyriding), or carjacking.

AI Summary

Committee Categories

Vicky Flynn (R)*,  Gerry Scharfenberger (R)*,  Bob Auth (R),  Sean Kean (R), 

Introduced, Referred to Assembly Judiciary Committee (on 01/13/2026)

Official Document