SB22-179 Summary

• Prohibits tampering with motor vehicle emission control systems effective January 1, 2024, including selling parts designed to defeat emission systems and selling/leasing vehicles with tampered systems (except salvage/nonrepairable titles).

• Establishes civil penalties ranging from $200-$1,200 for individuals with 9 or fewer vehicles and $1,000-$15,000 for commercial operators with 10+ vehicles, with higher penalties for profit-motivated tampering and repeat violations.

• Creates a Catalytic Converter Identification and Theft Prevention Grant Program cash fund administered by Colorado State Patrol, funded by civil penalties collected through June 30, 2025, then redirected to the Air Account in the Highway Users Tax Fund.

• Allows Attorney General to bring civil enforcement actions and authorizes the Department of Public Health and Environment to pursue penalties through district court.

• Provides a self-reporting compliance option beginning July 1, 2025, allowing 12 months to cure violations without penalties if reported voluntarily, with exemptions for repair and dismantling activities.