CRIME: Prohibits relative to the manufacturing and sale of motor vehicle key programming or emulation devices (EN SEE FISC NOTE LF EX)
HB 1104 creates a new criminal offense in Louisiana law aimed at motor vehicle theft tools. It defines two categories of prohibited devices: motor vehicle key programming or emulating devices, which electronically communicate with a vehicle to program or mimic a key fob, and relay attack devices, which intercept a key fob signal to unlock or start a vehicle. The bill generally bars the knowing manufacture, sale, offer for sale, or transfer of these devices, and also prohibits possession when the surrounding circumstances indicate an intent to use the device for theft, unauthorized entry, or another criminal offense.
The bill includes several exceptions for lawful and reasonable uses by law enforcement, the National Insurance Crime Bureau, licensed dealers, distributors, manufacturers, motor vehicle lock professionals, mechanic shops, locksmith companies, and repossession agencies. It also requires authorized persons who possess or handle these devices to report a loss or theft to law enforcement within 48 hours of learning of it. Violations are punishable by a fine of up to $1,000, imprisonment for up to six months, or both.
HB 1104 adds R.S. 14:406 to the Louisiana Criminal Code and expands state law to specifically address emerging vehicle-theft technology. It creates a standalone prohibition on the commercial distribution of key-programming, key-emulation, and relay-attack devices, while carving out lawful professional and investigative uses. The bill also establishes a reporting duty for authorized holders of such devices and makes failure to report a lost or stolen device a punishable offense. In practice, the law targets suppliers and possessors of tools associated with auto theft rather than ordinary vehicle owners, and it gives law enforcement an additional charge to use in theft-related investigations.
The overall sentiment around the bill appears strongly supportive and focused on combating auto theft and related criminal activity. The House passed the bill unanimously, 93-0, and it was ultimately signed by the Governor as Act 578. The committee amendments suggest lawmakers wanted to preserve legitimate business and law-enforcement uses while narrowing the bill to clearly criminal conduct. The absence of recorded opposition or committee transcript controversy indicates broad agreement on the need for the measure.
The main policy issue in the bill was how to distinguish criminal misuse from legitimate possession and use by professionals. The committee amendments addressed that concern by clarifying that mere possession alone is not a violation and by adding examples of circumstances from which criminal intent may be inferred, such as attempting unauthorized entry into a vehicle or possessing multiple devices with no lawful purpose. Another point of concern was avoiding unintended burdens on locksmiths, dealers, mechanics, repossession agencies, and law enforcement, which the bill resolves through explicit exceptions. No major partisan or procedural controversy is reflected in the available vote or discussion record.