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House weighs tougher penalties for fuel drive-offs; amendment expands bill to all commercial outlets
Summary
Lawmakers debated HB 114, an enhanced-penalty bill for motor-fuel drive-offs; an amendment broadening scope from retail-only outlets to all commercial outlets passed, while members discussed enforcement, employee theft and judicial discretion.
Representatives debated House Bill 114 on Feb. 6, a measure that would enhance penalties for stealing motor fuel. Representative Saunders moved amendment #1 to delete the word “retail,” broadening the bill’s reach to the sale of motor fuel at all commercial outlets. The amendment was adopted.
Saunders said retailers suffer measurable losses—"as much as $3,000 a year at their stations"—and cited industry reports that decals and signage have reduced drive-off losses by between "50–95%" at various locations. Proponents described the change as assistance to small local businesses vulnerable to repeated drive-offs.
Opponents, including Representative Daniels and Representative Hatch, argued caution before routinely enhancing penalties and questioned whether singling out a sector gives special treatment; Representative Goodfellow raised the possibility that internal employee theft can be misreported as drive-offs. Representative Tyler suggested market remedies such as prepayment are available at retail level and warned against tying driving privileges to non-driving offenses.
The House adopted the amendment and continued debate about penalties and judicial discretion. The amendment and amendment adoption were recorded on the floor; further final disposition of the bill was not completed in the provided transcript excerpt.
