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MN SF5039
MN SF5039Motor vehicle tampering penalty enhancement provision and crime for riding in a vehicle when a person reasonably should have known that a vehicle was taken without permission establishment provision
summary
Introduced
04/09/2026
04/09/2026
In Committee
04/09/2026
04/09/2026
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 enhances penalties for motor vehicle tampering and creates a new crime for knowingly riding in a stolen vehicle. Specifically, it amends Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 609.546, to make tampering with a motor vehicle a gross misdemeanor, which is a more serious offense than a standard misdemeanor. The bill also establishes a new crime for individuals who ride in a motor vehicle when they know or reasonably should have known that the vehicle was taken without the owner's permission, a change from the previous requirement of actual knowledge. This provision aims to hold passengers accountable even if they weren't directly involved in the theft, provided they had reason to believe the vehicle was stolen. The changes are set to take effect on August 1, 2025, and will apply to crimes committed on or after that date.
Committee Categories
Justice
Sponsors (3)
Last Action
Referred to Judiciary and Public Safety (on 04/09/2026)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://www.revisor.mn.gov/bills/94/2026/0/SF/5039/ |
| BillText | https://www.revisor.mn.gov/bills/94/2026/0/SF/5039/versions/0/pdf/ |
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