HB1365

House Bill 1365 creates new criminal offenses specifically addressing the theft and unauthorized possession of catalytic converters in Arkansas. It defines a 'catalytic converter' and establishes requirements for them to be 'permanently marked' with the date of removal and the vehicle identification number. Theft of a catalytic converter is established as a Class C felony, and courts may order restitution for damages. Unauthorized possession of a catalytic converter is established as a Class D or Class C felony depending on prior offenses or circumstances. The bill includes a list of businesses and individuals who are presumed to be acting in the ordinary course of business when possessing converters, though this presumption is void if the person knows the converter was stolen. Additionally, the bill amends the definition of 'scrap metal' to include detached catalytic converters and imposes record-keeping and registration requirements on buyers of used catalytic converters who are not scrap metal recyclers.