Establishes rebuttable presumption of pretrial detention and increases penalties for motor vehicle theft offenses; authorizes home detention for minors adjudicated delinquent for motor vehicle theft offenses; establishes Grants for Underage Auto-Theft Risk Deterrence Pilot Program in Juvenile Justice Commission; appropriates $7 million.

S 2819 increases penalties for motor vehicle theft by making it a second-degree crime (up from third degree) and establishes a rebuttable presumption of pretrial detention for those charged with theft, receiving stolen vehicles, or unlawful taking of vehicles. The bill authorizes home detention for minors convicted of these offenses, allowing them to leave only for court appearances, probation, or attorney meetings with court approval. It also creates a $7 million two-year pilot program through the Juvenile Justice Commission to provide services including mental health support, education, employment assistance, and substance use disorder treatment to juveniles at risk of committing motor vehicle theft. The program aims to prevent juvenile involvement with the criminal justice system by addressing underlying issues contributing to theft offenses.