HB514 Summary

• Prohibits operating a vehicle with knowledge that it contains a false or secret compartment designed to conceal controlled substances, contraband, a person for unlawful purposes, or property subject to seizure and forfeiture.

• Makes it unlawful to install, create, build, or fabricate a false or secret compartment in any vehicle, or to sell, trade, or dispose of a vehicle known to contain such a compartment.

• Establishes that operators of seized vehicles with false or secret compartments containing contraband or evidence thereof are presumed to have knowledge of the compartment.

• Sets criminal penalties of a Class A misdemeanor for violations; elevates to Class B felony if the compartment conceals a person for unlawful purposes; imposes a maximum fine of $60,000.

• Permits seized vehicles to be forfeited as contraband and becomes effective on the first day of the third month following passage and approval by the Governor.