HB 1556-S - DIGEST

(DIGEST OF PROPOSED 1ST SUBSTITUTE)

     Increases penalties for taking a motor vehicle without permission.

     Provides that a person is guilty of taking a motor vehicle without permission in the first degree if he or she, without the permission of the owner or person entitled to possession, intentionally takes or drives away an automobile or motor vehicle, whether propelled by steam, electricity, or internal combustion engine, that is the property of another, and he or she:

     (1) Alters the motor vehicle for the purpose of changing its appearance or primary identification, including obscuring, removing, or changing the manufacturer's serial number or the vehicle identification number plates;

     (2) Removes, or participates in the removal of, parts from the motor vehicle with the intent to sell the parts;

     (3) Exports, or attempts to export, the motor vehicle across state lines or out of the United States for profit;

     (4) Intends to sell the motor vehicle; or

     (5) Is engaged in a conspiracy and the central object of the conspiratorial agreement is the theft of motor vehicles for sale to others for profit.

     Declares that taking a motor vehicle without permission in the first degree is a class B felony.

     Provides that a person is guilty of taking a motor vehicle without permission in the second degree if he or she, without the permission of the owner or person entitled to possession, intentionally takes or drives away any automobile or motor vehicle, whether propelled by steam, electricity, or internal combustion engine, that is the property of another, or he or she voluntarily rides in or upon the automobile or motor vehicle with knowledge of the fact that it was unlawfully taken.

     Declares that taking a motor vehicle without permission in the second degree is a class C felony.