SB224 Summary

• Allows automotive dismantlers, parts recyclers, and secondary metals recyclers to acquire motor vehicles without a title if the owner provides a sworn statement certifying the vehicle is worth $1,000 or less and is at least 12 model years old.

• Requires dismantlers and secondary metals recyclers to maintain records for five years including vehicle identification number, seller information, date of sale, and certificate of title, with electronic filing and 48-hour hold before crushing.

• Establishes a Department of Revenue electronic lien verification system accessible to dismantlers and recyclers to verify vehicles are not stolen and have no recorded liens, with charges of $5 per inquiry or $500 annually per location.

• Creates new criminal penalties including Class C felony charges for knowingly falsifying statements, selling vehicles with unsatisfied liens, or operating crushing equipment without proper licensing ($200 annual fee per piece of equipment).

• Adds Section 32-8-64.2 establishing that liens on vehicles 12+ model years old are automatically satisfied after five years unless a new title is issued with the lien listed; requires electronic lien releases within 10 days of satisfaction.