Minnesota SF5039: 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

What the bill says

A bill for an act relating to public safety; increasing the penalty for tampering with a motor vehicle; establishing a crime for riding in a vehicle when the person reasonably should have known that a vehicle was taken without permission; amending Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 609.546.

From the introduced text, April 8, 2026:

A bill for an act relating to public safety; increasing the penalty for tampering with a motor vehicle; establishing a crime for riding in a vehicle when the person reasonably should have known that a vehicle was taken without permission; amending Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 609.546. Section 1. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 609.546, is amended to read: 609.546 MOTOR VEHICLE TAMPERING. A person is guilty of a new text begin [ADDED: gross ] new text end misdemeanor who intentionally: (1) rides in or on a motor vehicle deleted text begin knowingdeleted text end new text begin [ADDED: when the person knows or reasonably should know] new text end that the vehicle was taken and is being driven by another without the owner's permission; or (2) tampers with or enters into or on a motor vehicle without the owner's permission. new text begin [ADDED: EFFECTIVE DATE.] new text end new text begin [ADDED: This section is effective August 1, 2025, and applies to crimes committed on or after that date.] new text end

Read the full official text

Sponsors

• Eric Lucero (R) · primary sponsor
• Warren Limmer (R)
• Michael Kreun (R)

Latest actions

1. April 9, 2026: Referred to Judiciary and Public Safety
2. April 9, 2026: Introduction and first reading

Common questions

What is SF5039?

SF5039 is a bill in the Minnesota Legislature (94th Legislature 2025-2026): 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.

What does SF5039 do?

In its own words: A bill for an act relating to public safety; increasing the penalty for tampering with a motor vehicle; establishing a crime for riding in a vehicle when the person reasonably should have known that a vehicle was taken without permission; amending Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 609.546.

What is the status of SF5039?

In committee as of April 9, 2026. Latest action: Referred to Judiciary and Public Safety (April 9, 2026).

Who sponsored SF5039?

Eric Lucero (R), with 2 co-sponsors.

Where is the official record for SF5039?

On the Minnesota Legislature website: https://www.revisor.mn.gov/bills/bill.php?f=SF5039&y=2025&ssn=0&b=senate