HF2168 (Legislative Session 94 (2025-2026))
Motor vehicle theft penalties increased.
AI Generated Summary
This bill proposes an amendment to Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 609.52, subdivision 3, which pertains to sentencing for theft-related offenses. Specifically, it increases the penalty for motor vehicle theft by reclassifying it under a more severe sentencing category.
Under the revised statute:
Theft of a motor vehicle will now be punishable by up to 10 years of imprisonment, a fine of up to $20,000, or both. Previously, motor vehicle theft was classified under a lower penalty tier.
Previously, theft of a motor vehicle was punishable by up to 5 years of imprisonment or a fine of up to $10,000, unless other aggravating factors applied.
This change reflects a legislative effort to impose stricter penalties for motor vehicle theft, elevating it to the same level as theft of high-value property, explosives, or controlled substances from Schedules I or II.
The bill was introduced by Representatives Schwartz, Stier, Rymer, Harder, Repinski, and others, and has been referred to the Committee on Public Safety Finance and Policy for further consideration.
Bill text versions
- Introduction PDF file
Actions
| Date | Chamber | Where | Type | Name | Committee Name |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| March 11, 2025 | House | Floor | Action | Introduction and first reading, referred to | Public Safety Finance and Policy |
| March 11, 2025 | House | Floor | Action | Introduction and first reading, referred to | Public Safety Finance and Policy |
| March 12, 2025 | House | Floor | Action | Author added |
Citations
[
{
"analysis": {
"added": [
"Higher penalties for theft of motor vehicles added."
],
"removed": [
""
],
"summary": "This bill increases the penalty for theft of motor vehicles under section 609.52, subdivision 3.",
"modified": [
"Clarification on sentencing based on the value of stolen property."
]
},
"citation": "609.52",
"subdivision": "subdivision 3"
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [
""
],
"removed": [
""
],
"summary": "Referencing penalties related to theft in subdivision 1.",
"modified": [
"Incorporates penalties relevant to controlled substances theft."
]
},
"citation": "609.2335",
"subdivision": "subdivision 1"
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [
""
],
"removed": [
""
],
"summary": "This citation refers to controlled substances listed under section 152.02, used in sentencing.",
"modified": [
"Classification of controlled substances impacting theft sentences."
]
},
"citation": "152.02",
"subdivision": ""
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [
""
],
"removed": [
""
],
"summary": "Reference is made to past offenses impacting sentencing severity.",
"modified": [
"Connection established with past fraudulent offenses for sentencing."
]
},
"citation": "256.98",
"subdivision": ""
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [
""
],
"removed": [
""
],
"summary": "This section is mentioned as it relates to previous fraudulent offenses impacting sentencing.",
"modified": [
"Relevant past offenses considered for theft sentence aggravation."
]
},
"citation": "268.182",
"subdivision": ""
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [
""
],
"removed": [
""
],
"summary": "Cited in relation to enhancing theft penalties based on past convictions.",
"modified": [
"Prior assault convictions used for theft sentencing adjustments."
]
},
"citation": "609.24",
"subdivision": ""
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [
""
],
"removed": [
""
],
"summary": "Incorporated in sentencing guidelines for those with past robbery charges.",
"modified": [
"Robbery-related sentences considered for theft penalty elevation."
]
},
"citation": "609.245",
"subdivision": ""
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [
""
],
"removed": [
""
],
"summary": "Referenced to connect prior offenses with theft sentencing criteria.",
"modified": [
"Sexual assault precedents impacting theft sentencing."
]
},
"citation": "609.247",
"subdivision": ""
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [
""
],
"removed": [
""
],
"summary": "Used to evaluate sentencing in cases involving stolen firearms.",
"modified": [
"Sentencing for firearm-related thefts potentially enhanced."
]
},
"citation": "609.522",
"subdivision": ""
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [
""
],
"removed": [
""
],
"summary": "Related to receiving stolen property impacting theft sentencing.",
"modified": [
"Receipt of stolen property considered in theft penalties."
]
},
"citation": "609.53",
"subdivision": ""
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [
""
],
"removed": [
""
],
"summary": "Burglary-related offenses are considered in the theft sentencing enhancements.",
"modified": [
"Burglary history impact on theft sentencing."
]
},
"citation": "609.582",
"subdivision": "subdivision 1, 2 or 3"
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [
""
],
"removed": [
""
],
"summary": "Cited for fraud-related offenses affecting theft penalties.",
"modified": [
"Fraud history considered in theft sentencing."
]
},
"citation": "609.625",
"subdivision": ""
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [
""
],
"removed": [
""
],
"summary": "Previous forgery offenses contribute to severity of theft punishment.",
"modified": [
"Forgery precedents influencing theft penalties."
]
},
"citation": "609.63",
"subdivision": ""
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [
""
],
"removed": [
""
],
"summary": "Involvement in check forgery as an enhancing factor in theft sentencing.",
"modified": [
"Check forgery history tied into theft sentencing."
]
},
"citation": "609.631",
"subdivision": ""
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [
""
],
"removed": [
""
],
"summary": "Relates to financial transaction card fraud influencing theft penalties.",
"modified": [
"Financial fraud history introduced into theft penalties."
]
},
"citation": "609.821",
"subdivision": ""
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [
""
],
"removed": [
""
],
"summary": "Mentioned in relation to stayed sentences that impact theft penalties.",
"modified": [
"Stayed sentences under specific conditions acknowledged."
]
},
"citation": "609.135",
"subdivision": ""
}
]