MN HF44

Scrap metal dealers must verify that sellers of catalytic converters acquired them legally and have the right to sell them, using specific documentation before completing any purchase.

Businesses with established operations (merchants, manufacturers, salvage pools, insurance companies, rental car companies, financial institutions, charities, licensed dealers, or wholesale dealers) must provide records showing repair order number, removal date, vehicle identification number, and part number/identifying number of the catalytic converter.

Other individuals selling catalytic converters must provide receipts from repair shops or mechanics that removed the part, including the repairer's name, vehicle owner's name, vehicle make and model, vehicle identification number, and part number.

Scrap metal dealers must retain all required records for three years and violations constitute misdemeanor offenses, though defendants may use a good faith reliance defense if they reasonably relied on provided documentation.

All provisions take effect August 1, 2021, and apply to purchases occurring on or after that date.