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Michigan House Judiciary Committee Hears Industry Push for Harsher Cargo‑theft Penalties
Summary
Industry and law‑enforcement witnesses told the House Judiciary Committee that organized cargo theft has escalated in Michigan and urged passage of HB5125 and HB5126 to increase penalties (the bills would add up to 10 years of imprisonment); the committee adopted an H‑1 to HB5125 (7–0–2) and heard extensive testimony but took no further final vote.
The Michigan House Judiciary Committee on Tuesday heard industry and law‑enforcement testimony backing bills that would increase penalties for organized cargo theft and related offenses.
Supporters told the committee that thefts from rail cars, trailers and storage lots have become highly organized and impose direct costs on manufacturers, carriers and consumers. "Last year in 2025, CSX Detroit Intermodal Terminal reported 902 theft ... burglary reports," Paul Brady, supervisory special agent for CSX Transportation Police in the Midwest, told the committee, urging stronger sentencing and coordination with federal partners.
The bills under consideration—HB5125 and HB5126—would increase penalties tied to cargo theft; sponsors described the measure as creating an enhanced…
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