SF 492: Relating to the acquisition of certain vehicles by a vehicle recycler, and making penalties applicable

What it does

Under current law, the purchaser or transferee of a motor vehicle sold for scrap or junk is required to surrender the certificate of title, properly endorsed and signed by the previous owner, to a county treasurer, and apply for a junking certificate from the county treasurer, within days after assignment of the certificate of title. However, a vehicle owner may dispose of the vehicle to a vehicle recycler licensed under Code chapter 321H (vehicle recyclers) for scrap or junk without presenting a certificate of title or a junking certificate if the vehicle is model years old or older and is acquired by the vehicle recycler for reasonable consideration equaling less than $1,000.

House subcommittee · named January 20, 2026

• Rep. Jacob Bossman (R) · jacob.bossman@legis.iowa.gov
• Rep. Sean Bagniewski (D) · sean.bagniewski@legis.iowa.gov
• Rep. Bob Henderson (R) · robert.henderson@legis.iowa.gov

Lobbying · 1 for, 2 against

For: Iowa Independent Automobile Dealers Association

Against: Iowa Automobile Recyclers Association; Iowa Independent Automobile Dealers Association

In plain words

1. March 4, 2025Filed in the Senate
2. March 4, 2025Approved by the Senate committee
3. March 24, 2025Passed the Senate, 49–0
4. March 24, 2025Arrived in the House
5. March 26, 2025House subcommittee named: Behn, Bagniewski and Golding
6. March 31, 2025Subcommittee recommended passing it
7. January 20, 2026House subcommittee named: Bossman, Bagniewski and Henderson
8. February 3, 2026Subcommittee recommended passing it
9. February 4, 2026Approved by the House committee
10. March 31, 2026Passed the House, 92–0
11. May 2, 2026Sent to the Governor
12. May 2, 2026Signed into law