H.B. 408 Summary

• Establishes a licensing requirement for persons selling catalytic converters in bulk, requiring a license from the Department of Public Safety with a $100 initial and renewal fee.

• Classifies theft of catalytic converters as a felony of the fifth degree, with enhanced penalties for repeat offenders and business entities engaged in bulk catalytic converter theft.

• Requires scrap metal dealers and bulk merchandise container dealers to immediately report all catalytic converter transactions to a state registry and limits purchases to one converter per day per person (except from licensed motor vehicle dealers).

• Creates criminal penalties for unlicensed bulk sales and receipt of stolen catalytic converters, with fines up to $50,000 per violation for business entities.

• Restricts licensing and registration for persons convicted of catalytic converter theft, receiving stolen catalytic converters, or related offenses across multiple regulated industries including scrap dealers, salvage vehicle dealers, and motor vehicle repair operators.