SB23-097 Summary

• Restructures Colorado motor vehicle theft laws into three degrees based on aggravating factors rather than vehicle value, creating motor vehicle theft in the first degree (Class 3 felony), second degree (Class 4 felony), and third degree (Class 5 felony).

• Establishes unauthorized use of a motor vehicle as a new Class 1 misdemeanor offense for temporary vehicle use without authorization that is returned within 24 hours with no damage, with a second or subsequent offense being a Class 5 felony.

• Motor vehicle theft in the first degree requires two prior convictions for motor vehicle theft or unauthorized use offenses and at least one aggravating factor such as retention over 24 hours, vehicle alteration, VIN tampering, use in other crimes, property damage, bodily injury, removal from state, or unlawful license plates.

• Adds motor vehicle theft and unauthorized use violations to Colorado's racketeering activity definition and amends juvenile delinquency record provisions to reference the new motor vehicle theft degrees.

• Appropriates $24,409 to the department of revenue for DRIVES vehicle services system maintenance and takes effect July 1, 2023 for offenses committed on or after that date.