An act relating to operating a motor vehicle without consent of the owner

This bill modifies Vermont's laws regarding operating a motor vehicle without the owner's consent by clarifying the mental state required for conviction. It directly affects individuals who take or use someone else's vehicle without permission, requiring prosecutors to prove the person either knowingly lacked consent or consciously ignored that they did not have it. The legislation maintains existing penalties of up to two years in prison or a $1,000 fine for those convicted under the amended provisions. This change is intended to refine how intent is established in such cases rather than alter the overall punishment structure.