Summary

Amends the federal carjacking statute by changing the required mental state for the basic offense from an explicit intent to cause death or serious bodily harm to a lower standard of "knowingly." It also narrows the enhanced penalty that applies when death results so that the higher sentence only applies if the vehicle was taken with the intent to cause death or serious bodily harm and a death occurs. The bill leaves short-title language in place but does not change other elements of the law.

• Replaces the phrase requiring intent to cause death or serious bodily harm with the word "knowingly" in the carjacking statute's mens rea.
• Narrows the death-result sentencing enhancement so it only applies when the vehicle was taken with intent to cause death or serious bodily harm and death results.
• Alters what prosecutors must prove for the basic federal carjacking offense, potentially lowering the mental-state requirement for conviction.
• Makes the most severe penalty after a killing harder to apply unless specific intent to kill or cause serious harm is proven.
• Does not create new programs, appropriate funds, or change tax law.
• Will require new jury instructions and likely prompt litigation over the proper interpretation of "knowingly."
• Primarily affects federal prosecutions under 18 U.S.C. § 2119 and the parties involved in those cases (prosecutors, defendants, courts, victims).
• Could change charging and plea bargaining practices in federal carjacking cases.