BILL NUMBER: S5601
SPONSOR: MAY
 
TITLE OF BILL:
An act to amend the general business law, in relation to requiring seri-
al numbers on all catalytic converters sold in New York state
 
PURPOSE:
To address the theft of catalytic converters by requiring manufacturers
to engrave serial numbers on all catalytic converters.
 
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:
Section 1 amends the general business law to require that all catalytic
converters manufactured after January 1, 2026 have a serial number
stamped or engraved that distinguishes that catalytic converter from all
other catalytic converters of the same make and model.
 
JUSTIFICATION:
This bill is intended to address the theft of catalytic converters in
New York. Catalytic converters are an exhaust emission control device
that clear the toxic gasses emitted from the exhaust pipe of a car. The
NYPD Auto Theft Division reported that in 2019, there were close to
3,400 thefts - in 2021, that number grew to over 14,000.
Currently, there are no markings on catalytic converters to make them
unique, so if stolen, they can be sold for the metals or resold in whole
to others. Since they are nonspecific parts, the police rarely are able
to solve these cases, if reported. Depending on the type of vehicle,
replacing one can cost anywhere from $1000-$2500. To help prevent this
theft, this bill would require manufacturers to engrave a non-removable
serial number on all catalytic converters to ensure that they are trace-
able. Applying unique serial numbers to these parts will function as a
preventative measure for theft.
 
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
2023-24:S.418(Thomas)
2021-22:5.9273(Thomas)/ A.9813(Forrest)
 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:
None.
 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
Immediately.