New bill aims to help law enforcement agencies crack down on vehicle thefts in Missouri
ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) -- A Republican state senator is pushing for the creation of a new state commission and grant program to provide support for vehicle theft prevention efforts from law enforcement.
Legislation filed by Missouri state Sen. Curtis Trent, R-Battlefield, seeks to establish a new Motor Vehicle Theft Prevention Commission, a new entity responsible for awarding grants to law enforcement agencies to help improve and support motor vehicle theft prevention programs, or programs for prosecuting motor vehicle theft crimes.
The bill, which had a first reading Jan. 7, would create a new 12-member governor-appointed board to oversee the commission and approve applications. The Highway Patrol would also provide administration, management, and organization of the Commission's activities.
Law enforcement agencies or qualified applicants could receive grant awards for up to three years as part of the measure, called Senate Bill 1181. Any grants awarded by the commission would have to be approved by the Director of the Department of Public Safety prior to any such allocation.
Grants being pursued for multi-jurisdictional programs would be given priority under the legislation. The measures also seeks to promote statewide planning and provide support to local prosecutors and multi-jurisdictional task forces.
If approved, the grant program would take effect in August of 2026. Provisions in the program would sunset in 2032 unless reauthorized by the Missouri General Assembly.
A second component of Senate Bill 1181 would also make it a class D felony to manufacture, sell or possess a motor vehicle key programming or emulating device or a relay attack device.
