The bill amends various sections of 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 legislation also mandates that fines collected for these offenses be allocated to local law enforcement agencies involved in prosecution. Additionally, it expands definitions related to catalytic converters and introduces stricter penalties for receiving stolen property, specifically targeting catalytic converters.

Moreover, the bill establishes new registration requirements for scrap metal dealers and bulk merchandise container dealers, mandating registration with the director of public safety and the maintenance of detailed transaction records. It introduces penalties for non-compliance, including civil fines and potential registration suspension, while emphasizing the verification of seller identities and prohibiting transactions with individuals under eighteen. The bill also amends the licensing process for motor vehicle salvage dealers, introducing stricter criteria for license denial based on criminal convictions related to theft and fraud, and establishes a Catalytic Converter Theft Task Force to address these issues. Overall, the legislation aims to strengthen oversight and accountability in the scrap metal industry and combat catalytic converter theft.

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