§407. Motor vehicle key programming and emulating devices

            A. For the purposes of this Section, the following terms have the following meanings:

            (1) "Motor vehicle key programming or emulating device" means any device, computer program, application, or software designed or used to electronically communicate with a motor vehicle for the purpose of programming or emulating a motor vehicle key fob that is capable of being used to unlock or start the motor vehicle.

            (2) "Relay attack device" means any device, computer program, application, or software designed or used to intercept the signal from the key fob of a motor vehicle to unlock or start the motor vehicle.

            B.(1) Except as provided in Subsection C of this Section, no person shall knowingly manufacture, sell, offer to sell, or transfer a motor vehicle key programming or emulating device or a relay attack device. No person shall knowingly possess such a device under circumstances indicating an intent to use or permit the use of the device to commit a theft, unauthorized entry into a motor vehicle, or any other criminal offense.

            (a) Possession alone of a motor vehicle key programming or emulating device or a relay attack device does not constitute a violation of this Section.

            (b) Criminal intent may be inferred from the circumstances, including but not limited to the following:

            (i) Possession while attempting to enter a motor vehicle without authorization.

            (ii) Possession of multiple such devices without a lawful purpose.

            (iii) Possession in conjunction with tools commonly used for vehicle theft.

            (2) Whoever violates Paragraph (1) of this Subsection shall be fined not more than one thousand dollars or imprisoned for not more than six months, or both.

            C. This Section does not apply to the manufacture, sale, offer to sell, transfer, or use of a motor vehicle key programming or emulating device or a relay attack device for a lawful and reasonable purpose by or to a law enforcement officer, an employee of the National Insurance Crime Bureau, or an employee of a licensed dealer, distributor, or manufacturer of motor vehicles or motor vehicle locks, a motor vehicle mechanic shop, locksmith company, or repossession agency.

            D.(1) A person authorized to manufacture, sell, offer to sell, transfer, or possess a motor vehicle key programming or emulating device or a relay attack device, or aid or permit another to use a motor vehicle key programming or emulating device or a relay attack device, shall report the loss or theft of such device to a law enforcement agency within the jurisdiction where the device is known or reasonably believed to have been lost or stolen, within forty-eight hours after becoming aware of the loss or theft.

            (2) Whoever violates Paragraph (1) of this Subsection shall be fined not more than one thousand dollars or imprisoned for not more than six months, or both.

            Acts 2026, No. 578, §1.