WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

HB 1120

Relating to the purchase or acquisition by metal recycling entities of catalytic converters removed from a motor vehicle; imposing an administrative penalty.

89th Legislature (2025) Introduced by Janie Lopez

Texas bill requiring metal recyclers to verify ownership before purchasing removed catalytic converters, imposing penalties for non-compliance to combat theft.

Referred to Homeland Security, Public Safety & Veterans' Affairs
#crimes--againstproperty(i0175) #crimes--miscellaneous(i0200) #environment--recycling(i0336) #occupationalregulation--othertrades&professions(i0541) #secondhandmetal(s0255)
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 1120

Legislative bill overview

HB 1120 establishes regulations requiring metal recycling entities to verify ownership documentation before purchasing catalytic converters removed from motor vehicles. The bill imposes administrative penalties on recyclers who fail to comply with these verification requirements, aiming to reduce catalytic converter theft by making it harder for thieves to sell stolen converters.

Why is this important

Catalytic converter theft has become a significant property crime problem across the United States, including Texas, because converters contain valuable precious metals and are relatively easy to remove. By restricting the black market for stolen converters at the point of sale, this bill targets a key step in the theft pipeline that currently incentivizes the crime.

Potential points of contention

  • Compliance burden and costs: Recyclers must implement new verification procedures and documentation systems, which could increase operational expenses that may be passed to consumers or legitimate sellers
  • Definition ambiguity: The bill's effectiveness depends on how "removal from a motor vehicle" is defined and proven—determining whether a converter was legitimately removed versus stolen may be difficult in practice
  • Small business impact: Smaller metal recycling operations may struggle more with compliance compared to large enterprises with existing administrative infrastructure

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

Sign in to ask a question.