New York Senate Bill S00280

New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/8/25
• Refer: 1/8/25
• Refer: 1/7/26

Caption

Requires sellers of catalytic converters to provide certain information to potential buyers; requires buyers to maintain records of such purchases; makes any violations a class A misdemeanor; imposes a fine of up to $5,000

Summary

This bill would add a new section to the General Business Law regulating purchases and resale of catalytic converters. It requires a seller to provide identifying information about the vehicle from which the converter was removed, including the vehicle’s year, make, model, and VIN, along with proof of ownership or, for repair shops, documentation tying the converter to a specific customer vehicle and related invoices. A purchaser could not buy a catalytic converter unless the seller provides the required information and the purchaser determines the converter matches the manufacturer’s specifications for that vehicle. The bill also imposes recordkeeping duties on buyers who purchase catalytic converters in the course of business. They must keep accurate electronic records in English, retain them for five years, and make them available for inspection within 72 hours. Local police and state police may inspect these records on request. The bill further prohibits selling used or refurbished catalytic converters to private parties or dealers without the required documentation, and bars dealers from buying or offering for sale used or refurbished converters unless they possess the required information. Violations would be subject to a civil penalty of up to $5,000 per violation and would also be a class A misdemeanor.

Impact

The bill would create new statewide documentation, recordkeeping, and enforcement requirements for catalytic converter transactions under the General Business Law. It would affect scrap dealers, auto recyclers, repair shops, dealers, and any business purchasing catalytic converters, while also regulating private sales of used or refurbished converters. The measure is aimed at reducing theft and illegal resale by making converters easier to trace to a specific vehicle and owner, and by giving law enforcement access to transaction records.

Sentiment

No committee transcript or vote history is provided, so there is no recorded debate or roll-call sentiment to assess. Based on the bill text and caption, the measure appears to be framed as an anti-theft and consumer-protection bill, with a regulatory approach that is likely to be viewed favorably by law enforcement and vehicle owners concerned about catalytic converter theft. The absence of recorded opposition or amendments means the public sentiment in the available materials is neutral and limited to the bill’s stated enforcement purpose.

Contention

The main points of contention would likely center on the compliance burden placed on legitimate businesses and private sellers, especially the need to verify vehicle-specific information, maintain electronic records, and produce them quickly for inspection. Dealers and repair shops may object to the risk of penalties and misdemeanor liability for paperwork or verification failures, while supporters would likely emphasize the need to deter theft and trafficking in stolen converters. Another possible issue is whether the requirement that a purchaser determine the converter matches manufacturer specifications is practical for all transactions.