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HB 1611

Changes the law regarding catalytic converters

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Hardy Billington

Missouri HB 1611 requires strict new recordkeeping, fixed-location transactions, a 5-business-day holding period, and steep penalties for dealers who knowingly buy stolen detached

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Bill Summary · HB 1611

Summary — HB 1611 (Missouri): Changes the law regarding catalytic converters

Note: Multiple bills numbered HB 1611 appear in the provided materials from several states. This summary focuses on the Missouri version included in the packet, which repeals and replaces Mo. Rev. Stat. § 407.300 and adds new requirements and penalties related to detached catalytic converters.

Purpose / Intent

The bill is designed to deter theft and unlawful resale of detached catalytic converters by increasing transaction recordkeeping and holding requirements for scrap/junk/secondhand dealers, restricting where such transactions may occur, and imposing civil penalties (including license revocation) for dealers who knowingly purchase stolen catalytic converters.

Key provisions

  • Repeals and replaces Section 407.300, RSMo, with new, expanded recordkeeping and transaction rules for purchasers/collectors/dealers in junk, scrap metal, or secondhand property.
  • Transaction records: For each purchase/transaction, dealers must keep a written or electronic record. For transactions involving a detached catalytic converter the record must include the vehicle identification number (VIN) of the vehicle from which the converter was removed. Records must be retained for a minimum of 36 months and be available for inspection by law enforcement.
  • Location and holding requirements:
    • No transaction involving a detached catalytic converter may occur anywhere except at the dealer’s fixed place of business.
    • Detached catalytic converters must remain in the purchaser’s/collector’s/dealer’s possession for five business days before being altered, modified, disassembled, or destroyed.
  • Penalties for licensed purchasers (under § 301.218) who knowingly purchase stolen detached catalytic converters:
    • 1st violation: $5,000 fine.
    • 2nd violation: $10,000 fine.
    • 3rd violation: revocation of the business license described under § 301.218.
  • Exemptions:
    • Transactions with established businesses or political subdivisions that have a fixed location, are reasonably identifiable, and for which payment is by check or electronic funds transfer (and for which the dealer retains acceptable identification) are exempt.
    • Transactions where the regulated metal is a minor part of a larger item (with specific exceptions such as HVAC equipment and electrical/telecom equipment) are exempt.

Who is affected

  • Primary: scrap metal yards, junk dealers, secondhand dealers, and collectors who buy/sell catalytic converters.
  • Secondary: vehicle owners, auto recyclers, repair shops, law enforcement agencies (access to records), and persons who supply catalytic converters for resale.
  • Potentially reduces incentives for thieves who target catalytic converters.

Enforcement, compliance, and impact

  • Law enforcement gains expanded investigatory access via required records and a mandatory 5‑day holding period.
  • Dealers face increased administrative compliance (VIN capture, longer retention, restricted transaction locations) and financial risk from substantial fines and possible license revocation.
  • The statute is intended to deter theft and to help trace illicit sales; it may impose modest compliance costs on legitimate dealers but aims to reduce catalytic converter-related crime.

Procedural / timeline

  • The bill text as provided replaces § 407.300 RSMo; the document does not specify an effective date. (Follow-up on committee actions or enactment status is needed to determine when requirements would take effect.)

If you want, I can:
- Produce a compliance checklist for scrap dealers to implement these requirements.
- Draft a one-page explainer for law enforcement officers summarizing the new evidence/inspection powers and record elements.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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