| Vote Recommendation | Economic Freedom | Property Rights | Personal Responsibility | Limited Government | Individual Liberty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| No | Negative | Neutral | Neutral | Negative | Neutral |
Relating to the regulation of metal recycling; increasing a
criminal penalty.
No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.
HB 4110 would require any person attempting to sell a catalytic converter to a metal recycling entity to provide to the metal recycling entity the year, make, model, and vehicle identification number for the vehicle from which the catalytic converter was removed, and a copy of the certificate of title or other documentation indicating that the person has an ownership interest in the vehicle from which the catalytic converter came. A metal recycling entity would be prohibited from purchasing a catalytic converter from a seller who does not comply with these requirements.
Furthermore, a metal recycling entity would be prohibited from purchasing a catalytic converter without first determining that the converter is consistent with the manufacturer's specifications for a converter from the vehicle for which the seller provided information. The bill would also require the entity to mark the catalytic converter, keep relevant records including specific photographic evidence, and obtain a thumbprint from the seller, among other things.
Failure to comply with the provisions of this bill would be a state jail felony for a first time offense or a third degree felony for a subsequent offense.
Texas Action is opposed to HB 4110 on the principles of free markets and limited government. The regulations required by this bill are onerous and the criminal penalties provided are disproportionate to the offense.