HB5085 Summary

• Adds catalytic converters to the definition of "essential parts" of vehicles under the Illinois Vehicle Code.

• Makes theft of a catalytic converter valued at $500 or less a Class 4 felony (instead of Class A misdemeanor for general theft under $500).

• Makes theft of a catalytic converter valued over $500 but not exceeding $10,000 a Class 2 felony (instead of Class 3 felony for general theft in that range).

• Creates a new criminal offense for knowingly damaging a vehicle with intent to take its catalytic converter, with penalties of Class 4 felony if damage does not exceed $500 and Class 2 felony if damage exceeds $500.

• Provides that owner consent to property damage is an affirmative defense to the catalytic converter damage offense.