SB485

Senate Bill 485 amends existing Arkansas law concerning the theft and unauthorized possession of catalytic converters, specifically modifying provisions originally enacted in Acts 2023, No. 264. The bill expands the acceptable identification requirements for catalytic converters to include either the full vehicle identification number (VIN), the last eight digits of the VIN, or an electronic database stock number associated with a vehicle. Additionally, the bill repeals subsections (d) and (e) of the original act. These repealed sections previously established a legal presumption that individuals or businesses operating in specific automotive-related industries (such as scrap recyclers, repair shops, and salvage yards) were in lawful possession of catalytic converters during the ordinary course of business, provided they did not know the items were stolen. By removing these sections, the bill alters the evidentiary framework regarding legal possession of these automotive parts.