okay to remove cat heat shield?

[bluebombersfan]

I can understand why there is a heatshield on top of the cat converter but I don't see the point on the bottom. I think I may have a hole rusted through on the bottom but I can't see anything with the heatshield. Any know if removing the heatshield is a problem for getting a safety done? A friend of mine said his car passed safety with the heat shield removed but that was years ago.