HOUSE DEMOCRATS News:

SANTA FE – Tuesday, House Bill 156, the Crime of Illegally Dismantling Stolen Vehicles Act, sponsored by Rep. Abbas Akhil (D-Albuquerque), Rep. Joy Garratt (D-Albuquerque) and Rep. Daymon Ely (D-Albuquerque), passed the House Consumer & Public Affairs Committee.

House Bill 509 addresses a major source of crime in New Mexico, especially in the Albuquerque metro area, by making it a felony to own or operate a “Chop Shop”.

“Chop Shops” are defined as places where an individual receives, stores, disassembles, or alters stolen motor vehicle parts to sell the parts for profit. This legislation is a tool for law enforcement to prosecute those who steal vehicles and vehicle parts.  

“Car theft is a problem that is impacting many of my constituents and New Mexicans across the state,” Akhil said. “Car thefts are happening every day and this bill puts teeth into the law to attack this pervasive and destructive crime.”

The Crime of Illegally Dismantling Stolen Vehicles Act, also referred to as the “Chop Shop” bill, tackles the pervasive problem of car theft by enhancing penalties for engaging in buying and selling stolen auto parts. House Bill 156 would make identification and prosecution of “Chop Shop” owners more effective and resulting in more criminals being held accountable. 

House Bill 156 passed 4-1 out of the House Consumer & Public Affairs Committee and now proceeds to the House Judiciary Committee.