In recent years, the U.S. has seen a drastic increase in the theft of catalytic converters. As the COVID-19 pandemic created stress on the mining of metals across the globe, the price for the metals inside of catalytic converters has skyrocketed. As a result, there has been a major uptick in cases where these parts are stolen from underneath parked cars to be sold illegally as scrap. The cost of replacing these pricey stolen parts is burdensome to car owners, and sadly, these thefts sometimes end in violence and tragedy.

That is why I will be reintroducing former House Bill 971 to place requirements on scrap dealers who purchase catalytic converters, making it more difficult for thieves to sell off these parts. Specifically, my legislation will require scrap yards to obtain additional information during the sale of catalytic converters, such as the year, make, model, and vehicle identification number (VIN) for the vehicle from which the catalytic converter was removed. Additionally, buyers of catalytic converters must photograph both the catalytic converter and the individual selling it at the time of sale. Once the transaction is completed, the buyer must withhold payment to the seller for 48 hours, which will assist law enforcement in their efforts to track down the potential offender.

This legislation provides several important deterrents to ensure that Pennsylvania consumers have the highest level of protection from catalytic converter theft. By ensuring these details and photographs are recorded prior to the completion of the sale, we can help to prevent these thefts in the future. Every vehicle owner deserves to have peace of mind that their car will be safe and left intact when they begin their day.

I hope that you will join me in supporting this legislation to protect consumers and help prevent catalytic converter thefts from occurring in the Commonwealth.