Increases penalties for motor vehicle theft; authorizes home detention for minors.

This bill would increase penalties for motor vehicle theft in New Jersey, upgrading it from a third-degree crime to a second-degree crime. Currently, motor vehicle theft is punishable by up to 5 years in prison and a $15,000 fine, but the bill would increase the maximum sentence to 10 years and the fine to $150,000. The bill also authorizes courts to sentence minors under 18 convicted of motor vehicle theft to home detention, allowing them to leave home only for court appearances, probation appointments, attorney meetings (with notice), or other court-approved reasons. Additionally, it requires courts to schedule a hearing for minors arrested for motor vehicle theft within 48 hours of arrest.