Loading chat...

GA HB749

Bill

Status

Passed

4/15/2014

Primary Sponsor

Geoff Duncan

Click for details

Origin

House of Representatives

2013-2014 Regular Session

AI Summary

  • Creates the new criminal offense of "cargo theft" for unlawfully taking or appropriating any vehicle (including railcars), trailer, semitrailer, container, or cargo engaged in commercial transportation, as well as equipment deployed by law enforcement agencies
  • Establishes a tiered penalty structure for cargo theft based on property value: misdemeanor for $1,500 or less; 1–10 years imprisonment and $10,000–$100,000 fine for $1,500–$10,000; 5–20 years and $50,000–$1 million fine for $10,000–$1 million; 10–20 years and $100,000–$1 million fine for $1 million or more
  • Imposes enhanced penalties when stolen cargo involves controlled substances, with sentences ranging from 1–10 years (value under $10,000) up to 10–30 years (value $1 million or more)
  • Creates a separate offense for unlawful possession or modification of a "fifth wheel" coupling device with the intent to commit cargo theft, punishable by 1–10 years imprisonment and a $10,000–$100,000 fine
  • Effective July 1, 2014, applying to offenses committed on or after that date, and replaces the prior cargo theft penalty provision under Code Section 16-8-12 with a "Reserved" designation

Legislative Description

Crimes and offenses; crime of cargo theft; provide

Last Action

Effective Date

7/1/2014

Full Bill Text

No bill text available