HB 43/a CATALYTIC CONVERTER ENGRAVING TOOLS

Rep William Rehm

Actions: HPREF [2] HJC/HAFC-HJC [3] DP/a-HAFC

Scheduled: Not Scheduled

 House Bill 43 (HB 43) provides the New Mexico state police division of the Department of Public Safety with four hundred thousand dollars ($400,000) to purchase catalytic converter engraving tools. 

 House Bill 43 (HB 43) provides the New Mexico state police division of the Department of Public Safety with four hundred thousand dollars ($400,000) to purchase tools designed to engrave numbers onto catalytic converters and to loan these tools to law enforcement agencies or motor vehicle repair or service shops in exchange for the agencies or shops providing at no cost to residents the service of engraving the vehicle identification number onto a motor vehicle’s catalytic converter. Loan requirements are detailed. 

 While the etching of vehicle identification numbers on catalytic converters serves as a proactive measure to prevent theft, enhance traceability, and contribute to the overall safety and security of vehicles, many do not have the resources to be able to add this feature to their vehicle/s. If the bill does not pass, individuals and agencies desiring such service would need to continue paying for it through their own resources. 

 Amended January 22, 2024 in HJC

HJCa/HB 43: The House Judiciary Committee amends House Bill 43 (HB 43) as follows:

•	On page 1, lines 11 and 12, strike "NEW MEXICO STATE POLICE DIVISION OF THE DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY" and insert in lieu thereof "OFFICE OF SUPERINTENDENT OF INSURANCE". 

•	On page 1, line 25 and page 2, line 1, strike "New Mexico state police division of the department of public safety" and insert in lieu thereof "office of superintendent of insurance". 

•	On page 2, line 11, strike "division" and insert in lieu thereof "office of superintendent of insurance". 4. On page 2, line 15, strike "twenty-four" and insert in lieu thereof "six". 

•	On page 2, lines 16 and 17, strike "provided that the loans may be renewed for subsequent terms;". 

•	On page 2, lines 18 and 19, strike "New Mexico state police division" and insert in lieu thereof "office of superintendent of insurance". 

•	On page 2, line 21, strike "New Mexico state police division" and insert in lieu thereof "office of superintendent of insurance". 

•	On page 2, lines 24 and 25, strike "New Mexico state police division of the department of public safety" and insert in lieu thereof "automobile theft prevention authority of the office of superintendent of insurance".