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Senate committee advances bill to stiffen penalties and clarify language for stolen motor vehicles
Summary
House Bill 2347, amended in Senate Judiciary to add a level-10 nonperson felony for theft of certain vehicles valued $500–$1,500 and to clarify the 'reason to know' standard for possession of stolen vehicles, was reported favorably by committee.
House Bill 2347, a measure from law enforcement to clarify theft-of-motor-vehicle language and provide prosecutors and officers tools to address stolen vehicles, was reported favorably by the Committee of the Whole after amendment.
Senator Warren, the senator from Johnson, explained the bill clarifies that a person has obtained control over stolen property "knowing, or having reason to know, the property was stolen from another," language intended to address modern vehicle technology and circumstances where occupants cannot readily explain ownership or possession. The bill also amends the statute to eliminate the need to show the defendant knew the specific person from whom the vehicle was stolen.
Senate Judiciary amended the bill to create a level 10 nonperson felony where the vehicle’s value is between $500 and $1,500; previously the offense could have been a misdemeanor. Warren said the change reflected law-enforcement concerns about rising motor-vehicle theft.
When asked whether the amended language would apply to pawn shops and other places that often handle fenced goods, Warren replied it would; the sponsor said the statutory standard applies regardless of venue. The committee adopted the report and moved the bill forward on a voice vote.
