HB 5059

relating to criminal conduct involving a catalytic converter
removed from a motor vehicle; creating a criminal offense.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1.  Section 31.21(b), Penal Code, is amended to read
(b)  A person is presumed to be authorized to possess a
catalytic converter that has been removed from a motor vehicle if
(1)  is the owner, as defined by Section 601.002,
Transportation Code, of the vehicle from which the catalytic
converter was removed or is authorized by the vehicle owner to
possess the catalytic converter; or
(2)  possesses the catalytic converter in the ordinary
course of the person's business, including in the ordinary course
of business of an entity described by Section 1956.123(1),
SECTION 2.  Chapter 1956, Occupations Code, is amended by
adding Subchapter C-2 to read as follows:
SUBCHAPTER C-2.  RESTRICTION ON SALE OF CATALYTIC CONVERTER REMOVED
FROM MOTOR VEHICLE TO CERTAIN PERSONS
Sec. 1956.130.  DEFINITION.  In this subchapter, "motor
vehicle" has the meaning assigned by Section 541.201,
Sec. 1956.131.  APPLICABILITY.  Notwithstanding any other
provision of this chapter, this subchapter applies to the sale by
any person, including a person described by Section 1956.002(1), of
a catalytic converter removed from a motor vehicle to any other
Sec. 1956.132.  OFFENSE: SALE OF CATALYTIC CONVERTER REMOVED
FROM MOTOR VEHICLE TO PERSON OTHER THAN METAL RECYCLING ENTITY.  (a)
A person commits an offense if the person sells a catalytic
converter removed from a motor vehicle to a person who is not a
metal recycling entity registered under this chapter.
(b)  An offense under this section is a state jail felony.
(c)  If conduct constituting an offense under this section
also constitutes an offense under another law, the actor may be
prosecuted under this section, the other law, or both.
SECTION 3.  This Act takes effect September 1, 2025.