SF 4570

as introduced - 92nd Legislature (2021 - 2022) Posted on 05/04/2022 08:03am

A bill for an act
relating to public safety; establishing the crime of unauthorized possession of a
catalytic converter; proposing coding for new law in Minnesota Statutes, chapter
609.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:

Section 1.

new text begin [609.524] UNAUTHORIZED POSSESSION OF CATALYTIC
CONVERTER.
new text end

new text begin Subdivision 1. new text end

new text begin Prohibition on possessing catalytic converters; exception. new text end

new text begin (a) It is
unlawful for a person to possess a used catalytic converter that is not attached to a motor
vehicle except when:
new text end

new text begin (1) the converter is marked with the date the converter was removed from the vehicle
and the identification number of the vehicle from which the converter was removed or an
alternative number to the vehicle identification number; or
new text end

new text begin (2) the converter has been certified for reuse as a replacement part by the United States
Environmental Protection Agency.
new text end

new text begin (b) If an alternative number to the vehicle identification number is used, it must be under
a numbering system that can be immediately linked to the vehicle identification number by
law enforcement. The marking of the alternative number may be made in any permanent
manner, including but not limited to an engraving or use of permanent ink. The marking
must clearly and legibly indicate the date removed and the vehicle identification number
or the alternative number and the method by which law enforcement can link the converter
to the vehicle identification number.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 2. new text end

new text begin Penalty. new text end

new text begin A person who violates subdivision 1 is guilty of:
new text end

new text begin (1) a misdemeanor if the person possesses one catalytic converter; and
new text end

new text begin (2) a gross misdemeanor if the person possesses more than one catalytic converter.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 3. new text end

new text begin Restitution. new text end

new text begin In addition to the sentence otherwise authorized, the court must
order a person who is convicted of violating this section to pay restitution to any identifiable
victim, including the costs and expenses of replacing a catalytic converter and any other
restitution costs allowed under section 611A.04.
new text end

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin This section is effective August 1, 2022, and applies to crimes
committed on or after that date.
new text end