HOUSE BILL ANALYSIS
HB 2002
Title: An act relating to motor vehicle theft.
Brief Description: Increasing penalties for taking a motor vehicle without permission.
Sponsors: Representatives Lovick, Hurst, Cody, Cairnes, O'Brien, Schual‑Berke, Edwards, Bush, Kagi, Delvin, Cooper, Schindler, Constantine, Ericksen, Haigh, Wood, Kenney, Keiser, Carrell, Campbell and Rockefeller.
HOUSE COMMITTEE ON CRIMINAL JUSTICE AND CORRECTIONS
Staff: Jean Ann Quinn (786-7310).
Background:
Taking a motor vehicle without permission, or riding in a vehicle knowing it was taken without permission, is a class C felony, which carries a maximum term of five years, or a fine of up to $10,000, or both. For adult offenders, it is ranked as a seriousness level I crime under the Sentencing Reform Act which, for a first time offender, has a standard sentence range of 0-60 days. For juvenile offenders, it is ranked as an offense category C crime which, for a first time offender, involves local sanctions. Local sanctions can include any combination of the following: 0 to 30 days confinement; 0-12 months community supervision; 0-150 hours community service; and a fine of $0 to $500.
Summary:
The crime is divided into two degrees. The current elements of the crime C taking the vehicle without permission or riding in it knowing it was taken without permission C become second degree motor vehicle theft, and the crime remains a class C, level I felony for adults and a category C offense for juveniles.
Taking a motor vehicle in the first degree is created and is committed if a person takes a motor vehicle without permission and he or she:
(1)Has two or more prior convictions for motor vehicle theft;
(2)Alters the vehicle to change its appearance or identification numbers;
(3)Removes parts from the vehicle with the intent to sell the parts;