Progress in Reducing Car Thefts
A year and half ago, several constituents told me that their cars or their catalytic converters had been stolen, so I began researching the issue. Apparently, even though they are found in trace amounts, the precious metals in catalytic converters - platinum, rhodium, and palladium - can command stratospheric prices. One Russian oligarch even named his yacht 'Palladium.'
This session I worked with other legislators to make it more difficult to sell stolen catalytic converters, and, we hope, reduce theft by passing S.B. 256.
Several changes were made regarding the receipt and sale of catalytic converters, including prohibiting anyone other than a motor vehicle recycler or motor vehicle repair shop from selling more than one unattached converter to a scrap metal processor, junk dealer, or junk yard owner or operator in a day. The law also establishes several recordkeeping requirements and other conditions, such as affixing or writing a stock number on converters.
To read the full bill, CLICK HERE.
I cannot promise that our legislation, effective July 1, will eliminate theft altogether. If there's money in it- and there is- then thieves will look for another way. But our remedy - which we crafted after hours of testimony- is a good start, and we will continue to track this issue.