CRIME/PUNISHMENT: Creates the crime of unauthorized use of rental service equipment. (8/1/25)

SB 157 creates a new criminal offense for renters who fail to pay for or return rental equipment as agreed under a rental agreement. It directly affects individuals renting equipment (like tools or furniture) from businesses for short terms (up to 30 days), imposing penalties based on the equipment's value: up to 6 months in jail or $1,000 for items under $1,000, increasing to up to 20 years in prison or $50,000 fines for items over $25,000. The bill also requires convicted individuals to pay daily rental fees as restitution until the equipment is returned. Defenses include returning within 72 hours, being refused return by the rental service, or equipment destruction, but these do not prevent civil lawsuits for damages.