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KS HB2697
Bill
Status
Introduced
2/4/2026
Primary Sponsor
Judiciary
Click for details
AI Summary
- Amends K.S.A. 21-5805 to add a new offense making it illegal to possess, with intent to commit theft, any computer program, application, software, or device designed or commonly used to unlock, start, or interfere with a motor vehicle's lock or ignition system without a key or key fob, or to copy and store information related to those functions
- Classifies the new offense as a severity level 9, nonperson felony, consistent with the existing penalties for other unlawful acts involving theft detection shielding devices under the same statute
- Provides explicit exceptions for new and used motor vehicle dealers, car rental companies, locksmiths, towing service employees, automotive repair business employees, persons lawfully repossessing vehicles, law enforcement officers acting in official capacity, and businesses making replacement keys for lawful vehicle owners
- Retains all existing prohibitions against manufacturing or possessing theft detection shielding bags, tools for removing theft detection devices, and fraudulent retail receipts or UPC labels
- Requested by Johnson County District Attorney Steve Howe and introduced by the House Committee on Judiciary for the 2026 legislative session
Legislative Description
Modifying the crime of unlawful acts involving theft detection shielding devices to include possessing, with the intent to commit theft, a computer program, application, software or other device adapted, designed or commonly used to operate a lock or locks on or start a motor vehicle without an ignition key or key fob, or to copy, store information relating to, or interfere with those functions and providing for exceptions.
Last Action
House Referred to Committee on Judiciary
2/4/2026
Committee Referrals
Judiciary2/4/2026
Full Bill Text
No bill text available