SB127 Alabama 2016 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Phillip W. Williams

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

SB127 creates cargo theft and fifth wheel tampering offenses, updates definitions, and sets value-based penalties and driver-licensing consequences for those crimes.

What This Bill Does

The bill defines cargo theft as knowingly obtaining or exerting unauthorized control over a vehicle engaged in commercial transportation of cargo or the cargo itself, with the intent to deprive the owner. It sets penalties based on the total value of the stolen cargo or property: over $1,000,000 is a Class A felony; more than $2,500 up to $1,000,000 is a Class B felony; more than $1,500 up to $2,500 is a Class C felony; and $1,500 or less is a Class A misdemeanor, plus commercial driver’s license disqualification (1 year for the first conviction, for life for subsequent convictions). It also creates the crime of fifth wheel tampering, punished as a Class C felony, for modifying or moving a fifth wheel or anti-theft device or handling a modified fifth wheel. The act updates related definitions and is exempt from the local-funding requirements of Amendment 621, and it becomes law on the first day of the third month after enactment.

Who It Affects

• Cargo owners, freight carriers, and others who own or are responsible for cargo or transportation equipment would face criminal penalties based on the cargo's value if theft occurs.
• Commercial drivers and trucking companies would face mandatory commercial driver’s license disqualification after cargo theft convictions (1 year for the first, lifetime for subsequent convictions).

Key Provisions

• Amendment of Section 13A-8-1 to include and standardize definitions used for theft-related offenses, including 'fifth wheel' and related terms.
• New Section 13A-8-3.1 defines cargo theft as knowingly obtaining or exerting unauthorized control over a vehicle engaged in commercial transportation of cargo or the cargo itself, with the intent to deprive the owner.
• New Section 13A-8-3.2 defines fifth wheel tampering as modifying, altering, or moving a fifth wheel or anti-theft device for cargo theft purposes, or handling a modified fifth wheel; it is a Class C felony.
• Cargo theft penalties are tiered by cargo value: Class A felony for over $1,000,000; Class B for more than $2,500 up to $1,000,000; Class C for more than $1,500 up to $2,500; Class A misdemeanor for $1,500 or less.
• Cargo theft convictions carry commercial driver’s license disqualification: 1 year for the first conviction; lifetime for subsequent convictions (subject to possible reductions).
• The act is exempt from local-funding requirements because it creates or amends crimes, and becomes effective on the first day of the third month after enactment.

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