House Bill No. by Representative Dana Henry aims to prohibit the manufacture, possession, transfer, or sale of motor vehicle key programming or emulating devices, as well as relay attack devices. The bill introduces new legal language under R.S. 14:406, defining these devices and establishing penalties for violations. Specifically, individuals found guilty of manufacturing or possessing such devices could face fines of up to $1,000 or imprisonment for up to six months, or both.
The bill also outlines exceptions for certain professionals, including law enforcement officers, employees of the National Insurance Crime Bureau, and licensed dealers or mechanics, who may use these devices for lawful purposes. Additionally, it mandates that authorized individuals must report the loss or theft of these devices to law enforcement within 48 hours, with similar penalties for failing to do so. Overall, the legislation seeks to enhance security against vehicle theft while allowing necessary exceptions for professionals in the field.