House circles bill to toughen motor-fuel-theft penalties after members raise fairness and drafting concerns

Representative Carl Saunders presented House Bill 114, intended to increase penalties for stealing motor fuel and to give courts discretion to suspend a convicted person’s driver’s license for a second or subsequent offense.

Lawmakers raised multiple concerns. Several members asked whether the bill properly specified the new criminal classification (class C misdemeanor, class B or felony) and warned that if the measure duplicates existing theft statutes it could produce unintended sentencing outcomes. Representative Daniels observed that multiple statutes criminalizing the same conduct can entitle defendants to be sentenced under the lesser offense, potentially undermining the sponsor’s intent.

Other members questioned whether license suspension is an appropriate remedy for fuel theft, noting consequences for work and mobility. Some colleagues argued retailers and law enforcement need additional tools to deter a high-incident, low-recovery crime; others urged caution about creating enhanced penalties without clear drafting and review.

The House ultimately moved to circle HB 114 — a procedural step that pauses floor consideration so sponsors can work with colleagues and stakeholders on amendments.

Attribution: Quotations and paraphrases in this article are taken from the House floor transcript; Representative Daniels warned about statutory overlap and sentencing consequences, and Representative McCartney and others argued for the need to explore alternative solutions.

Next steps: Sponsors said they would consult with stakeholders and return with revised language; the transcript records the motion to circle and the body’s agreement to that procedural outcome.