The proposed bill aims to enhance the regulation of detached catalytic converters in Missouri by repealing sections 301.218, 407.300, and 570.030 of the Revised Statutes and replacing them with four new sections. These new provisions require individuals and businesses involved in the sale, repair, or dismantling of vehicles to obtain a license from the Department of Revenue. Transactions involving detached catalytic converters must occur at the purchaser's fixed place of business, and these converters cannot be altered or destroyed until they have been held for five business days. The bill also establishes stringent record-keeping requirements for transactions involving scrap metal and secondhand property, detailing seller information and items purchased. Additionally, the bill introduces penalties for knowingly purchasing stolen detached catalytic converters, classifying such offenses as a class E felony, and expands the definition of stealing to include the receipt, retention, or disposal of stolen catalytic converters. It creates a new offense of "unlawful possession of a detached catalytic converter," also classified as a class E felony, with specific exceptions for legitimate business purposes. The bill further categorizes stealing offenses, establishing class D misdemeanors for property valued under $150 and class A misdemeanors for other stealing offenses. Organized retail theft can be prosecuted by the attorney general upon local request, with the state covering associated costs, and it emphasizes the aggregation of multiple thefts for determining the value of stolen property.

Statutes affected:
Introduced (6185H.01): 301.218, 407.300, 570.030, 570.031