AR HB1503

Creates two new criminal offenses under Arkansas Code Title 5, Chapter 36: operating a chop shop and dealing in stolen or forged motor vehicle parts.

Defines a "chop shop" as a place used to sell, transfer, purchase, or receive motor vehicles or parts while modifying vehicle identification numbers to misrepresent or prevent identification.

Operating a chop shop is a Class C felony, covering conduct including owning/operating a chop shop, transporting vehicles or parts to/from one, or modifying/removing vehicle identification numbers with intent to conceal identity.

Dealing in stolen or forged motor vehicle parts is a Class D felony, covering knowing sales, transfers, purchases, possession, or receipt of motor vehicles or parts with modified identification numbers.

Exempts legitimate motor vehicle scrap processors operating in good faith and owners/possessors of recovered stolen vehicles or vehicles with known modified identification numbers reported to law enforcement; requires restitution to victims upon conviction.