1.1 	A bill for an act
1.2 	relating to public safety; establishing the crime of unauthorized possession of a 
1.3 	catalytic converter;proposing coding for new law in Minnesota Statutes, chapter 
1.4 	609.
1.5 	BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:

1.6 	Section 1. [609.524] UNAUTHORIZED POSSESSION OF CATALYTIC 
1.7 	CONVERTER.
1.8 		Subdivision 1.Prohibition on possessing catalytic converters; exception. (a) It is 
1.9 	unlawful for a person to possess a used catalytic converter that is not attached to a motor 
1.10 	vehicle except when:
1.11 	(1) the converter is marked with the date the converter was removed from the vehicle 
1.12 	and the identification number of the vehicle from which the converter was removed or an 
1.13 	alternative number to the vehicle identification number; or
1.14 	(2) the converter has been certified for reuse as a replacement part by the United States 
1.15 	Environmental Protection Agency.
1.16 	(b) If an alternative number to the vehicle identification number is used, it must be under 
1.17 	a numbering system that can be immediately linked to the vehicle identification number by 
1.18 	law enforcement. The marking of the alternative number may be made in any permanent 
1.19 	manner, including but not limited to an engraving or use of permanent ink. The marking 
1.20 	must clearly and legibly indicate the date removed and the vehicle identification number 
1.21 	or the alternative number and the method by which law enforcement can link the converter 
1.22 	to the vehicle identification number.
2.1 		Subd. 2.Penalty. A person who violates subdivision 1 is guilty of:
2.2 	(1) a misdemeanor if the person possesses one catalytic converter; and
2.3 	(2) a gross misdemeanor if the person possesses more than one catalytic converter.
2.4 		Subd. 3.Restitution. In addition to the sentence otherwise authorized, the court must 
2.5 	order a person who is convicted of violating this section to pay restitution to any identifiable 
2.6 	victim, including the costs and expenses of replacing a catalytic converter and any other 
2.7 	restitution costs allowed under section 611A.04.

2.8 	EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective August 1, 2023, and applies to crimes 
2.9 	committed on or after that date.