This bill aims to enhance protections for victims of vehicle theft and related crimes in Minnesota. It prohibits charging victims for towing or impounding their vehicles and mandates that a crime victim's vehicle cannot be sold for 180 days after it has been reported stolen or involved in a crime. Additionally, the bill ensures that victims are not liable for any fines or fees associated with the recovery of their stolen vehicles, and it requires law enforcement agencies to investigate reports of stolen vehicles and provide updates to the victims within 60 days.

Key provisions include the definition of a "crime victim's vehicle," the establishment of a right for victims to reclaim their vehicles without fees within 180 days, and a requirement for government units to reimburse victims if their vehicles are sold prematurely. The bill also amends existing statutes to reflect these changes and introduces new sections that outline the responsibilities of law enforcement in investigating vehicle thefts. All provisions are set to take effect on August 1, 2025, applying to incidents occurring on or after that date.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 168B.011, 168B.051, 168B.06, 168B.07, 168B.08, 169.042, 611A.675