The bill amends the Revised Code to enhance regulations surrounding the sale and theft of used catalytic converters, introducing new penalties and definitions. It classifies the theft of a catalytic converter as a fifth-degree felony, escalating to a fourth-degree felony for repeat offenders, and categorizes theft involving a business entity as enterprise theft, subject to fines between $10,000 and $50,000 per violation. The bill also mandates that any fines collected be directed to local law enforcement agencies involved in prosecuting these offenses. Additionally, it establishes that receiving stolen catalytic converters is a felony, with similar penalties for repeat offenders and businesses, aiming to strengthen the legal framework to deter such crimes.

Moreover, the bill revises the registration requirements for scrap metal dealers and bulk merchandise container dealers, requiring them to provide detailed information to the director of public safety and maintain accurate transaction records. It prohibits dealers from purchasing materials from individuals without proper identification or those known for theft, with law enforcement providing updated lists of known thieves. The bill also introduces stricter regulations for the issuance and renewal of dealer registrations, denying applications for individuals with certain criminal convictions. A Catalytic Converter Theft Task Force is established to combat theft, and outdated sections of the Revised Code are repealed to streamline regulations.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 2913.02, 2913.51, 4737.04, 4737.045, 4737.99, 4738.03, 4738.07, 4738.12, 4775.09