CA SB919

Requires motor vehicle dealers and retail sellers to mark all catalytic converters with the vehicle identification number (VIN) before selling any vehicle equipped with a catalytic converter.

Prohibits any person from removing, altering, or obfuscating VIN markings on catalytic converters, except when lawfully installing on a different vehicle or permanently destroying the converter.

Prohibits purchase, sale, receipt, or possession of stolen catalytic converters; allows law enforcement to establish probable cause for arrest based on circumstantial evidence such as signs of illicit removal, possession of removal tools, or possession of multiple converters.

Prohibits core recyclers from purchasing catalytic converters without VIN markings and requires them to maintain a two-year log including converter descriptions, seller identification, and VIN numbers, available to law enforcement upon demand.

Establishes misdemeanor penalties for violations, with fines ranging from $1,000 for first offense to $4,000 for third or subsequent offense; felony penalties apply for stealing converters valued over $950.