An Act relative to car theft with digital devices
Generates a plain-language summary of the bill text and history.
| Date | Branch | Action |
|---|---|---|
| 3/26/2026 | House | Accompanied a study order, see H5281↗ (under House Rule 27) |
| — | House | Reported by committee to Clerk’s Office for processing, will accompany a study order |
| 9/16/2025 | Joint | Hearing scheduled for 09/23/2025 from 01:00 PM-05:00 PM in A-2 |
| 2/27/2025 | Senate | Senate concurred |
| 2/27/2025 | House | Referred to the committee on The Judiciary |
No additional cosponsors.
| Committee | Recommendation | Vote |
|---|---|---|
| J19 | Accompanied | — |
| Bill | Title | Status |
|---|---|---|
| S1214 | An Act relative to car theft with digital devices | Active |
Chapter 266 of the General Laws, as appearing in the 2022 Official Edition, is hereby amended by inserting after section 49 the following section:-
(a) As used in this section, the following words shall have the following meanings:- “Motor vehicle key programming or emulating device”, means any device, computer program, application, or software designed or used to electronically communicate with a motor vehicle for the purpose of programming or emulating a motor vehicle key fob that is capable of being used to unlock or start the motor vehicle. “Relay attack device” means any device, computer program, application, or software designed to intercept the signal from the key fob of a motor vehicle to unlock or start the motor vehicle. (b) No person shall, with intent to steal a motor vehicle or other property therefrom, knowingly manufacture, sell, offer to sell, transfer, or possess a motor vehicle key programming or emulating device or relay attack device. (c) No person shall, with intent to steal a motor vehicle or other property therefrom, knowingly aid or permit another to use a motor vehicle key programming or emulating relay attack advice. (d) Whoever violates this section shall be punished by imprisonment in the state prison for not more than ten years, or by a fine of not more than one thousand dollars and imprisonment in jail for not more than two- and one-half years.
SECTION 1. Chapter 266 of the General Laws, as appearing in the 2022 Official Edition, is hereby amended by inserting after section 49 the following section:- Section 49A. (a) As used in this section, the following words shall have the following meanings:- “Motor vehicle key programming or emulating device”, means any device, computer program, application, or software designed or used to electronically communicate with a motor vehicle for the purpose of programming or emulating a motor vehicle key fob that is capable of being used to unlock or start the motor vehicle. “Relay attack device” means any device, computer program, application, or software designed to intercept the signal from the key fob of a motor vehicle to unlock or start the motor vehicle. (b) No person shall, with intent to steal a motor vehicle or other property therefrom, knowingly manufacture, sell, offer to sell, transfer, or possess a motor vehicle key programming or emulating device or relay attack device. (c) No person shall, with intent to steal a motor vehicle or other property therefrom, knowingly aid or permit another to use a motor vehicle key programming or emulating relay attack advice. (d) Whoever violates this section shall be punished by imprisonment in the state prison for not more than ten years, or by a fine of not more than one thousand dollars and imprisonment in jail for not more than two- and one-half years.