HomeMy WebLinkAboutResolution 1662A Resolution
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URGING THE TEXAS MUNICIPAL LEAGUE
TO SUPPORT LEGISLATION DURING THE 1991 LEGISLATIVE
SESSION THAT WILL INCREASE THE PENALTIES FOR ALTERING
OR DESTROYINVEHICLE OR VEHICLE PARTS UMBERS ON A
WHEREAS, in 1989, there were 150,974 reported cases of stolen
vehicles at an estimated loss to the residents of the cities and.
state of Texas in the amount_of $840 million; and
WHEREAS, auto theft is considered a felony in the state of
Texas; and
WHEREAS, criminals attempt to circumvent the law by altering
or destroying vehicle numbers on a stolen vehicle or vehicle
parts; and
WHEREAS, with all the identification numbers removed, the
stolen vehicle or vehicle parts can not be positively identified
as stolen and therefore the person in possession can only be
prosecuted for a misdemeanor; and
WHEREAS, criminals are now destroying vehicle identification
numbers on stolen .vehicles or vehicle parts because it is a
misdemeanor and therefore does not subject their businesses to
possible forfeiture; and
WHEREAS, changing the penalty for the destruction of vehicle
identification numbers to a felony can help police departments
and district attorneys in their efforts to deter and prosecute
auto theft in the cities and state;
NOWy THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF
THE I~ITY OF FORT WORTH, TEXAS:
that the Fort Worth City Council recognizes the need for
changes in state law which will subject criminals who tamper
with or destroy vehicle identification numbers fzom vehicles or
vehicle parts to stiffer penalties; and
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BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Fort worth city council
urges the Texas Municipal League at its 1990 Annual Conference
to pass a resolution in support of legislation to be introduced
in the Texas State Legislature to amend V.C.S. Article 6687-1,
Section 49 such that the penalty for altering or destroying
vehicle identification numbers from vehicles or vehicle parts
shall be increased to a third degree felony.
APPROVED BY
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SEP 4 1990
City Saaatary of the
~~ Ciq of Fort Worth, Taxm
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