The original instrument was prepared by Whitney Kauffeld. The following digest,
which does not constitute a part of the legislative instrument, was prepared by Cheryl
Serrett.
DIGEST
SB 70 Reengrossed 2022 Regular Session Talbot
Proposed law creates the crime of "theft of a catalytic converter or engine control module", which
is misappropriation or taking of a catalytic converter or engine control module which belongs to
another, either without the consent of the owner to the misappropriation or taking, or by means of
fraudulent conduct, practices, or representations. Proposed law further provides that an intent to
deprive the owner permanently of the catalytic converter or engine control module is essential.
Proposed law provides for the following penalties:
(1)When the misappropriation or taking amounts to a value of $25,000 or more, the offender
is to be imprisoned, at hard labor, for not less than 10 years nor more than 20 years, or fined
not more than $50,000, or both.
(2)When the misappropriation or taking amounts to a value of $5,000 or more, but less than
$25,000, the offender is to be imprisoned, with or without hard labor, for not less than five
years nor more than 10 years, or fined not more than $10,000, or both.
(3)When the misappropriation or taking amounts to a value of $1,000 or more, but less than
$5,000, the offender is to be imprisoned, with or without hard labor, for not less than two
years nor more than five years, or fined not more than $3,000, or both.
(4)When the misappropriation or taking amounts to a value of less than $1,000, the offender is
to be imprisoned for not less than 90 days nor more than six months, or fined not more than
$1,000, or both.
Proposed law further provides that if the offender has been convicted two or more times of theft of
catalytic converter or engine control module, upon any subsequent conviction, he is to be
imprisoned, with or without hard labor, for an additional year to be served consecutively, or may be
fined not more than an additional $2,000, or both.
Effective August 1, 2022.
(Adds R.S. 14:67.12 and 37:1864(A)(3))
Summary of Amendments Adopted by Senate
Committee Amendments Proposed by Senate Committee on Judiciary C to the original bill 1. Requires entity engaged in the business of buying or selling unattached catalytic
converters to register with the chief of police and sheriff of each city and parish in
which the business is conducted.
Senate Floor Amendments to engrossed bill
1. Defines engine control module and creates crime of theft of an engine control
module.