The bill amends the Revised Code to enhance regulations surrounding the sale and theft of used catalytic converters, imposing stricter penalties for related offenses. It classifies the theft of a catalytic converter as a fifth-degree felony, escalating to a fourth-degree felony for repeat offenders, and imposes significant fines on business entities involved in such thefts, ranging from $10,000 to $50,000 per violation. Additionally, the bill mandates that collected fines be directed to local law enforcement agencies involved in prosecuting these offenses. It also modifies definitions and penalties related to receiving stolen property, specifically targeting catalytic converters, and requires dealers to maintain detailed records of transactions involving bulk merchandise containers, including seller identification and photographs.

Moreover, the bill introduces new requirements for scrap metal and bulk merchandise container dealers, including mandatory registration with the director of public safety and compliance with specific record-keeping obligations. Dealers are prohibited from purchasing items from individuals under eighteen and must verify ownership through identification and photographs. The bill establishes civil penalties for non-compliance, including a $500 penalty for failing to post registration notices, and outlines exemptions for certain transactions, such as donations to nonprofit organizations. Additionally, it expands the criteria for denying or refusing to renew licenses for motor vehicle salvage dealers based on specific criminal convictions, streamlining the regulatory framework for these operators. Overall, the legislation aims to improve accountability and oversight within the scrap metal and bulk merchandise container industries.

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