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SF 5039

Motor vehicle tampering penalty enhancement provision and crime for riding in a vehicle when a person reasonably should have known that a vehicle was taken without permission establishment provision

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Michael Kreun and 2 co-sponsors

The bill increases penalties for motor vehicle tampering and creates a new crime for riding in a vehicle taken without permission when the rider knows or should know it was stolen.

Referred to Judiciary and Public Safety
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Bill Summary · SF 5039

Summary of SF 5039 (Minnesota) – 2025-2026 Session

Purpose and intent

SF 5039 seeks to enhance penalties for motor vehicle tampering and to establish a new crime related to riding in a vehicle when the rider reasonably should know the vehicle was taken without permission. The bill appears to address vehicle theft-related offenses by increasing consequences for tampering with motor vehicles and creating a liability/criminal provision for individuals who ride in a vehicle under circumstances where the rider knew or reasonably should know the vehicle was taken without permission.

Key provisions and changes

  • Motor vehicle tampering penalty enhancement

    • The bill would introduce or increase penalties for acts of tampering with a motor vehicle.
    • Likely elements may include unauthorized interference with a vehicle, breaking into or manipulating a vehicle’s systems, or other actions intended to facilitate theft or unlawful use.
    • Penalty levels (e.g., fines and/or felony/misdemeanor classifications) would be defined or raised to reflect heightened seriousness of tampering offenses.

  • New crime: riding in a vehicle when the taker’s permission was not granted

    • Creates an offense for riding in a motor vehicle when a person reasonably should know that the vehicle was taken without permission.
    • This provision targets individuals who knowingly accept a ride in a vehicle that has been taken unlawfully, closing a potential loophole where a rider might avoid liability simply by not actively participating in theft.
    • The statute would specify elements such as knowledge or reasonable knowledge of the improper taking, and it would set penalties accordingly (likely criminal penalties defined by statute).

  • Scope and definitions

    • The bill would define key terms (e.g., “tampering,” “taken without permission,” “reasonable knowledge”) to ensure enforceability and reduce ambiguity.
    • It would specify how the new offenses interact with existing theft, motor vehicle theft, or related crimes.

Who would be affected

  • Offenders: Individuals who engage in motor vehicle tampering would face enhanced penalties under the tampering provision. Individuals who ride in a vehicle taken without permission (where they reasonably know or should know of the unauthorized taking) would face a new criminal liability.
  • Law enforcement and prosecutors: Agencies and offices would need to apply the enhanced penalties and prosecute the new riding-in-a-stolen-vehicle offense, including charging decisions, evidentiary standards, and jury instructions.
  • Vehicle owners and the public: Potential deterrence effect from increased penalties and a broader scope of liability for those involved in or complicit with vehicle theft.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Introduction and first reading: April 9, 2026.
  • Referral: Referred to Judiciary and Public Safety committees on the same date.
  • Sponsors: Co-sponsors include Michael Kreun, Eric Lucero, and Warren Limmer.

Notes:
- The summary reflects the bill’s stated aims based on the title and action history. Specific statutory language (definitions, exact penalty amounts, degrees of offense, and transitional provisions) would be found in the bill text itself. If available, reviewing the committee amendments and fiscal notes would provide additional details on costs, implementation timelines, and potential impact on sentencing guidelines.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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