Catalytic converters.

Existing law requires a core recycler, as defined, who accepts a catalytic converter for recycling to maintain a written record of specified information regarding the transaction, including the item type and quantity, amount paid for the catalytic converter, an identification number, if any, and the vehicle identification number, for not less than 2 years. Existing law makes it a crime to violate these requirements. This bill would require a core recycler to include additional information in the written record, including the year, make, and model of the vehicle from which the catalytic converter was removed and a copy of the title of the vehicle from which the catalytic converter was removed. This bill would also prohibit a core recycler from entering into a transaction to purchase or receive a catalytic converter from a person that is not a commercial enterprise, as defined, or a verifiable owner of the vehicle from which the catalytic converter was removed, as specified, and would make other conforming changes. Existing law prohibits a core recycler from providing payment for a catalytic converter unless specified requirements are met. Under existing law, those requirements do not apply to 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. This bill would require the written agreement to include a log or other record of all catalytic converters received pursuant to the agreement that describes each catalytic converter with sufficient particularity so that each of those catalytic converters in the core recycler's inventory can reasonably be matched to its description in the agreement. By imposing new requirements on core recyclers, the violation of which would be a crime, the bill would impose a state-mandated local program. This bill would incorporate additional changes to Section 21610 of the Business and Professions Code proposed by SB 986 and SB 1087 to be operative only if this bill and either or both of those bills are enacted and this bill is enacted last. 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.