SENATE COMMERCE COMMITTEE

STATEMENT TO

SENATE, No. 3608

STATE OF NEW JERSEY

DATED:  JUNE 16, 2021

      The Senate Commerce Committee reports favorably Senate Bill No. 3608.

     This bill provides that a core recycler is not permitted to purchase or attempt to purchase a catalytic converter, in whole or in part, if the catalytic converter is not attached to a motor vehicle at the time of sale or attempted sale, unless the seller is a used automotive parts dealer or an automotive repair company.  Pursuant to the bill, "core recycler" means a person that buys used individual catalytic converters previously removed from a motor vehicle.  The provisions of the bill do not apply to a seller that:

     (1)   provides the core recycler with a certificate of title, certificate of registration, a receipt from a transaction of repair, or a bill of sale for the motor vehicle from which the catalytic converter was taken; or

     (2)   is a registered business that, in the regular course of business, collects, stores, or sells a catalytic converter or any other motor vehicle part.

     A violation of the bill would be a disorderly persons offense for a first or second offense, and a crime of the fourth degree for third and subsequent offenses.  A disorderly persons offense is ordinarily punishable by a term of imprisonment of up to six months or a fine of up to $1,000, or both.  A crime of the fourth degree is ordinarily punishable by a term of imprisonment of up to 18 months or a fine of up to $10,000, or both.