Senate Bill 5154 has cleared the Senate Judiciary Committee. The measure, which is prime sponsored by Sen. Harper, makes second degree vehicle prowling a class C felony if the person has two or more prior convictions for the same or similar crime. 

The law enforcement community is urging the passage of the bill, saying since penalties for auto theft were stiffened car prowl cases have soared.

The bill, which has bipartisan support, moves to the Senate Rules Committee for consideration. The proposal is expected to be voted on by the full Senate.