Catalytic converters: junk dealers and recyclers.

(1) Existing law prohibits a junk dealer or recycler from providing payment for nonferrous material, as defined, unless the payment is made by cash or check, the check is mailed or the cash or check is provided no earlier than 3 days after the date of sale, and the dealer or recycler obtains a photograph or video of the seller and certain other identifying information, as specified, which information is to be retained by the dealer or recycler for 2 years. Existing law requires a junk dealer or recycler to allow for periodic inspection of any premises maintained for purposes of determining compliance with the recordkeeping requirements, and, upon inspection, to produce his or her sales and purchase records. This bill would require a core recycler, as defined, that accepts, ships, or sells used catalytic converters to maintain specified information regarding the purchase and sale of the catalytic converters for not less than 2 years. The bill would prohibit a core recycler from providing payment for a catalytic converter unless the payment is made by check, the check is mailed or provided no earlier than 3 days after the date of sale, unless the seller is a business, and the core recycler obtains a photograph or video of the seller, a written statement regarding the origin of the catalytic converter, and certain other identifying information, as specified. The bill would except from this requirement a core recycler that buys used catalytic converters, transmissions, or other parts removed from a vehicle if the core recycler and the seller have a written agreement for the transaction. The bill would apply more limited information collection requirements to, and provide an exemption from the other requirements of the bill for, core recyclers accepting catalytic converters from licensed auto dismantlers or certain recyclers. The bill would require a core recycler to provide this information for inspection by local law enforcement upon demand. The bill would provide that a person who violates these requirements would be guilty of a misdemeanor and would impose specified punishment upon conviction. Because a violation of these requirements would be a crime, the bill would impose a state-mandated local program. (2) The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement. This bill would provide that no reimbursement is required by this act for a specified reason.