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House committee adopts tougher penalties for large motor-fuel thefts after rural members press for action
Summary
Floor members adopted a Wynne floor amendment to SB1540 that tightens the theft offense for motor fuel, including a provision to reclassify theft of 50 gallons or more as a felony; rural lawmakers emphasized local impacts and the Committee of the Whole recommended the bill as amended.
Representative Wynne moved a floor amendment to Senate Bill 15-40 to clarify the offense for theft of motor fuel and to raise the classification to a felony when 50 gallons or more are stolen. Wynne said the amendment requires that a person have used a device constructed for the purpose of fraudulently altering or interrupting a dispenser and that the larger-quantity theft be treated more seriously.
Representative Bliss urged support by describing a recent incident in his district: "Two individuals drove themselves with a U-Haul van from Las Vegas to Seligman and overnight drained a very, very large tank of motor fuel," he said, adding that small communities "cannot afford this kind of theft." Representative Collin objected to special treatment for fuel, arguing that theft should be punished evenly regardless of the item stolen and that this measure is an industry-driven attempt to secure favorable criminal treatment.
The floor amendment was adopted and the Committee of the Whole recommended SB15-40 as amended. The transcript records the floor discussion and voice votes but does not include a roll-call tally for the committee recommendation on the floor.
