Colorado Bill HB26-1199: Catalytic Converter Replacement Standards

Detected March 12th, 2026

Summary

Colorado bill HB26-1199 proposes a temporary exception to catalytic converter replacement standards, allowing compliance with EPA standards instead of California's CARB rules under specific conditions related to theft or unavailability. The bill also requires repair facilities to inform customers about zero-emission vehicle programs.

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What changed

Colorado bill HB26-1199 introduces a temporary exception to the current requirement for catalytic converter replacements to meet California Air Resources Board (CARB) standards. Under this bill, if a catalytic converter is stolen (and reported to law enforcement) or if the required CARB-compliant replacement is unobtainable despite reasonable efforts, an owner may use a replacement that meets United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) standards. This exception is set to expire on July 1, 2028. Additionally, the bill mandates that motor vehicle repair facilities must inform customers about state programs for replacing internal combustion vehicles with zero-emission alternatives before proceeding with catalytic converter repairs or replacements.

This legislation, if enacted, will provide temporary relief for vehicle owners facing catalytic converter issues, particularly in cases of theft or supply chain disruptions, by allowing the use of EPA-compliant parts. Automotive repair facilities in Colorado will need to update their customer notification procedures to include information on zero-emission vehicle programs. Compliance officers should monitor the legislative process and, if enacted, ensure their organizations adhere to the new notification requirements and understand the conditions under which EPA standards can be used for replacements.

What to do next

Monitor the legislative status of Colorado bill HB26-1199.
If enacted, update customer notification procedures at repair facilities to include information on zero-emission vehicle programs.
Understand and apply the conditions for using EPA-compliant catalytic converters as an alternative to CARB standards.

Source document (simplified)

HB26-1199

Replacement of Stolen Catalytic Converters

| Type | Bill |
| --- | --- |
| Session | 2026 Regular Session |
| Subjects | Public Health Transportation & Motor Vehicles |
Concerning the replacement of certain catalytic converters.

Recent Bill (PDF) Recent Fiscal Note (PDF) Bill Summary:

When a catalytic converter mechanically fails or is stolen from a motor vehicle, current rules of the air quality control commission require the replacement to comply with the rules of the California air resources board. The bill creates a temporary exception (exception) that allows an individual to use a replacement catalytic converter that complies with the standards established by rules of the United States environmental protection agency if:

In the case of the theft of a catalytic converter, the theft has been reported to a law enforcement agency; and
The owner or operator of the motor vehicle has made a reasonable effort to obtain the required replacement catalytic converter and has been unable to obtain the replacement catalytic converter. The exception is repealed, effective July 1, 2028.

The bill prohibits a motor vehicle repair facility or any employee or contract laborer of the facility from repairing or replacing a catalytic converter that has failed or been stolen without first informing the customer about available state programs to replace an internal combustion vehicle with a zero-emission alternative.

(Note: This summary applies to this bill as introduced.)