Vehicle tampering: theft of catalytic converters.

(1) Existing law imposes various requirements on a core recycler, as defined. Existing law requires a core recycler who accepts a catalytic converter for the purposes of recycling or who sells or ships used catalytic converters to a recycler or smelter to maintain specified information regarding the purchase and sale of the catalytic converters for not less than 2 years and to make that information available for inspection upon the request of law enforcement. Existing law provides that a person who violates these requirements is guilty of a misdemeanor. This bill would require a core recycler to report the information collected to the chief of police or the sheriff, as prescribed, and to request to receive theft alert notifications regarding the theft of catalytic converters from a specified theft alert system. The bill would also require a core recycler to obtain the thumbprint of a seller of a catalytic converter and to preserve the thumbprint for a period of 2 years, except as specified. The bill would limit the inspection or seizure of a thumbprint to that performed by law enforcement pursuant to a criminal search warrant based upon probable cause. By expanding the scope of a crime, this bill would impose a state-mandated local program. (2) Existing law encourages local law enforcement agencies to report thefts of commodity metals that have occurred within their jurisdiction to the theft alert system maintained by the Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries, Inc., to ensure that persons using the system receive timely and thorough information regarding metal thefts. This bill would additionally encourage local law enforcement agencies to report thefts of catalytic converters that have occurred within their jurisdiction to that theft alert system. (3) 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.