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Committee advances bill banning vehicle security-circumvention devices amid theft concerns
Summary
HB 351 would criminalize manufacture, sale or possession of vehicle-security circumvention devices (key‑fob emulators/relay devices) and require reporting of loss or theft; the National Insurance Crime Bureau and police chiefs testified that organized rings increasingly use these devices and urged support. The committee released the bill to the floor.
The committee voted to release House Bill 351, which would prohibit the manufacture, sale, transfer or possession of vehicle-security circumvention devices — described by witnesses as key‑fob emulators, relay‑attack devices and programmable emulators — and require individuals to report loss or theft of such devices to law enforcement within 48 hours.
Howard Handler, senior director of strategy, policy and government affairs for the National Insurance Crime Bureau, told the committee that vehicle thefts have risen and that these small programmable devices are now commonly used by organized theft rings to steal cars in seconds. Handler said the NICB’s per‑capita rankings show Delaware has above‑average vehicle theft rates and urged lawmakers to align state criminal penalties with modern tactics.
Law‑enforcement representatives — including the Delaware Association of Chiefs of Police — testified in favor, saying reduced thefts would lower vehicle pursuits and associated public‑safety risks. Committee members asked practical questions about preventing online sales and how language should treat dealership employees and service technicians; the witness suggested narrowing employee exemptions to those “reasonably qualified” and working within the scope of duties.
Following testimony and public comment, the committee moved to release HB 351; the motion was seconded and carried by roll call.
Next steps: the bill will move to the House calendar; staff and sponsors indicated willingness to refine scope language for dealer employees and authorized technicians.
