Bill > SB242

This bill strengthens Ohio's regulations around the sale of used catalytic converters by introducing several key provisions. It increases penalties for theft and receiving stolen catalytic converters, with escalating criminal charges for repeat offenders and enhanced fines for business entities engaged in illegal converter transactions. The bill requires scrap metal dealers to maintain detailed records of catalytic converter sales, including photographs of sellers, and limits dealers to purchasing only one used converter per day from an individual. Additionally, the legislation establishes new investigative powers for the Director of Public Safety to examine potential violations, with the ability to suspend or revoke dealer registrations for non-compliance. The bill also creates a Catalytic Converter Theft Task Force, appropriating $1.5 million in the first fiscal year and $1 million in the second year to support law enforcement efforts to combat converter theft. These measures are designed to address the growing problem of catalytic converter theft by creating more stringent tracking, reporting, and punitive measures for those involved in illegal converter transactions.

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https://www.legislature.ohio.gov/legislation/136/sb242