The bill amends various sections of the Ohio Revised Code to strengthen regulations surrounding the sale and theft of used catalytic converters and bulk merchandise containers. It classifies the theft of a catalytic converter as a fifth-degree felony, with businesses committing such theft facing enterprise theft charges and fines up to $7,500 per violation. The bill also mandates that fines collected for these offenses be allocated to local law enforcement agencies involved in the prosecution. Additionally, it introduces new definitions for "bulk merchandise container" and "catalytic converter," and enhances record-keeping requirements for dealers, including the necessity to maintain detailed transaction records and electronically report daily transactions to the director of public safety.

Moreover, the legislation imposes stricter regulations on scrap metal and bulk merchandise container dealers, including the requirement to photograph sellers and obtain proof of ownership before purchasing items. It prohibits transactions with individuals who refuse to provide identification or are known to be involved in theft. The bill also establishes a registry for dealers, with the director of public safety granted authority to issue or deny registrations based on criminal history related to theft or fraud. It includes provisions for civil penalties for non-compliance and outlines the revocation process for registrations. Overall, the bill aims to enhance accountability and reduce the incidence of stolen property transactions in these markets while improving regulatory oversight in motor vehicle salvage and repair operations.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 2913.02, 2913.51, 4737.012, 4737.04, 4737.041, 4737.043, 4737.045, 4737.99, 4738.03, 4738.07, 4738.12, 4745.01, 4775.09
As Reported By House Committee: 2913.02, 2913.51, 4737.012, 4737.04, 4737.041, 4737.043, 4737.045, 4737.99, 4738.03, 4738.07, 4738.12, 4775.09
As Passed By House: 2913.02, 2913.51, 4737.012, 4737.04, 4737.041, 4737.043, 4737.045, 4737.99, 4738.03, 4738.07, 4738.12, 4775.09
As Reported By Senate Committee: 2913.02, 2913.51, 4737.012, 4737.04, 4737.041, 4737.043, 4737.045, 4737.99, 4738.03, 4738.07, 4738.12, 4775.09
As Passed By Senate: 2913.02, 2913.51, 4737.012, 4737.04, 4737.041, 4737.043, 4737.045, 4737.99, 4738.03, 4738.07, 4738.12, 4775.09
As Enrolled: 2913.02, 2913.51, 4737.012, 4737.04, 4737.041, 4737.043, 4737.045, 4737.99, 4738.03, 4738.07, 4738.12, 4775.09