Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Committee advances bill to repeal Wyomingunauthorized-use-of-vehicle statute
Summary
The Judiciary Committee heard testimony and voted to advance House Bill 125, which would repeal the statestatute on unauthorized use of a motor vehicle (31-11-102) and allow prosecutors to charge vehicle theft under the general theft statute.
The Judiciary Committee advanced House Bill 125 on a voice and roll-call vote after testimony from prosecutors and law-enforcement officials who said the current unauthorized-use statute produces inconsistent outcomes for vehicle theft.
Sponsor testimony and prosecutors described two scenarios to illustrate the bill's purpose: a driver who takes a truck for a short ride and a person who strips a vehicle of its tires. Supporters said the current statute, 31-11-102, creates a defense for defendants who claim they only intended a temporary use, and that defense can reduce what otherwise would be felony thefts to misdemeanors.
District Attorney Dan Itson of Natrona County told the committee the change would not hamper law enforcement and said…
Already have an account? Log in
Subscribe to keep reading
Unlock the rest of this article — and every article on Citizen Portal.
- Unlimited articles
- AI-powered breakdowns of topics, speakers, decisions, and budgets
- Instant alerts when your location has a new meeting
- Follow topics and more locations
- 1,000 AI Insights / month, plus AI Chat
