This bill amends Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 609.52, subdivision 3, to increase the penalties for theft of motor vehicles. The new language specifies that individuals convicted of theft involving a motor vehicle will face harsher penalties, including a potential sentence of up to 20 years in prison or a fine of up to $100,000 if the value of the stolen property exceeds $35,000. Additionally, the bill introduces new circumstances under which lesser penalties apply, such as theft involving property valued at $5,000 or less, and clarifies the conditions under which these penalties are applicable.

The bill also includes several deletions and insertions to refine the language regarding sentencing for theft offenses. Notably, it removes previous conditions related to the value of stolen property and replaces them with clearer criteria, including specific references to motor vehicles. The effective date for these changes is set for August 1, 2025, and they will apply to crimes committed on or after that date. Furthermore, the bill instructs the revisor of statutes to make necessary cross-reference changes to ensure consistency within Minnesota Statutes and Minnesota Rules.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 609.52