A BILL FOR AN ACT to amend the Indiana Code concerning criminal law and procedure.
SB 207 creates a new criminal offense in Indiana for unlawful use of a motor vehicle key programming device, aimed at devices and software used to emulate a vehicle key or electronically communicate with a vehicle to gain access. The bill defines a “motor vehicle key programming device” broadly to include computer programs, devices, applications, software, emulating devices, and relay attack devices designed to intercept or communicate with a motor vehicle for key-emulation purposes.
Under the bill, a person who knowingly or intentionally manufactures, offers for sale, markets, transfers, sells, possesses, uses, or operates such a device commits a Class A misdemeanor. The bill takes effect July 1, 2026, and adds a new section to Indiana’s criminal code at IC 35-43-4-2.8.
The bill would expand Indiana criminal law by adding a specific prohibition on key fob emulators and related key-programming or relay-attack technology. It would make both commercial activity and mere possession or use of these devices unlawful, subject to stated exceptions for law enforcement and certain employees of motor vehicle dealers, distributors, manufacturers, recreational vehicle businesses, locksmiths, and contracted device manufacturers acting within the scope of their duties. The measure would primarily affect auto theft enforcement, locksmith and dealership operations, and anyone involved in the sale or use of vehicle access-bypass tools.
Based on the bill text and the absence of recorded committee testimony or votes, the available context suggests a straightforward public-safety and anti-theft measure with no documented opposition in the provided materials. The caption and drafting indicate a targeted response to emerging vehicle theft methods, and the exceptions show an effort to preserve legitimate industry and law-enforcement uses. Because no committee discussion or vote history is included, broader legislative sentiment cannot be measured beyond the bill’s apparent anti-theft intent.
The main policy issue is the breadth of the prohibition: the bill criminalizes not only manufacturing and selling but also possession, use, and operation of key programming devices, which could raise concerns about overbreadth or accidental coverage of legitimate tools. The exceptions for dealers, locksmiths, manufacturers, and law enforcement appear designed to address those concerns, but the line between lawful diagnostic or programming equipment and prohibited emulation or relay-attack devices may still be a point of interpretation. Any contention would likely center on balancing auto-theft prevention against legitimate repair, locksmith, and dealership access to vehicle programming technology.