HB213 Alabama 2016 Session

Updated Feb 26, 2026

Notable

Summary

Primary Sponsor: Chris PringleRepresentative
Republican
Session: Regular Session 2016
Title: Theft of cargo in commercial transportation and fifth wheel tampering, crimes defined, penalties, Secs. 13A-8-3.1, 13A-8-3.2 added; Sec. 13A-8-1 am'd.
Summary: HB213 would create new crimes for cargo theft and fifth wheel tampering, and set tiered penalties based on the value of stolen cargo while updating related legal definitions.
What This Bill Does
HB213 defines cargo theft and fifth wheel tampering as new crimes and updates definitions in Alabama law. The penalties for cargo theft depend on the total value stolen, ranging from a Class A misdemeanor to a Class A felony, with thefts from multiple incidents allowed to be aggregated to determine the grade. Fifth wheel tampering is defined and made a Class C felony. The bill also adds a potential one-year disqualification from driving a commercial vehicle after the first cargo theft conviction and lifelong disqualification after subsequent convictions, and it clarifies valuation rules; it specifies the bill does not require local-funding approvals under Amendment 621 and sets an effective date after governor approval.

Who It Affects
Truck drivers and trucking companies, who would face new criminal penalties for cargo theft and fifth wheel tampering and may be disqualified from driving a commercial motor vehicle after convictions.
Cargo owners, shippers, carriers, and others who own or transport cargo in Alabama, who would be affected by the new crimes including penalties and enforcement.

Key Provisions
Defines cargo theft (unlawful control of cargo or related equipment with intent to deprive the owner) and sets value-based penalties (>$1,000,000: Class A felony; >$2,500–$1,000,000: Class B felony; >$1,500–$2,500: Class C felony; ≤$1,500: Class A misdemeanor) with aggregation allowed for a single scheme.
Defines fifth wheel tampering (modifying or moving an altered fifth wheel or anti-theft device) and makes it a Class C felony.
Amends 13A-8-1 to include cargo theft and fifth wheel definitions and valuation rules used to determine penalties.
Disqualifies cargo offenders from driving a commercial motor vehicle (1 year for first conviction; life for second or subsequent), with potential reductions per existing rules.
Exempts the bill from local-funding requirements under Amendment 621 because it creates or defines new crimes.
Effective date: becomes law on the first day of the third month after passage and governor approval.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 24, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.
Subjects: Theft of Cargo