Catalytic Converter Theft Deterrent Bill Heads To Inslee's Desk

OLYMPIA, WA — State lawmakers on Tuesday passed the final version of a bill that aims to make it more difficult for thieves to fence stolen catalytic converters through scrap metal recyclers and wreck yards.

House Bill 1815, sponsored by Rep. Cindy Ryu (D-Shoreline), adds more strict rules for buyers to document catalytic converter purchases and imposes new fines. According to House Democrats, the version of the bill that received final, bipartisan approval included a series of tweaks and amendments from its original form, including:

• Additional documentation requirements of the scrap metal recyclers and vehicle wreckers.
• A three-day cooling off period for them to make payments beyond $30 to sellers.
• Creates a Consumer Protection Act violation.
• While not creating new crimes, imposes fines of $1,000 per catalytic converter for violations of existing metal theft laws.
• Adds an emergency clause while giving several weeks for businesses to adopt these new practices.
• Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs will establish a grant and training program to assist local law enforcement agencies targeting metal theft.

The bill's final passage Tuesday garnered unanimous support across party lines. It now awaits Gov. Jay Inslee's signature.

"This bill became stronger because colleagues engaged with the industry, the Governor's Office and law enforcement agencies every step of the way," Ryu said in a statement Wednesday. "With the Governor's signature, the new law can help reverse the spike in catalytic converter thefts, and the Washington State University work group will help inform further efforts the state can take to protect people from this crime."

Western Washington and elsewhere in the nation has seen a rapid rise in catalytic converter thefts in recent years, which thieves target for the value of the precious metals housed inside the devices. Last month, Ryu noted illicit profits from selling the stolen converters often amount to only 10 percent of the costs vehicle owners have to pay out for repairs.

"Older vehicles are effectively totaled by catalytic converter theft, compounding the harm for people who depend on their vehicle to get to work, or to drive their kids to school," Ryu said in February.

In recent months, a handful of King County police departments joined forces with the sheriff's office to form a task force to share information and track thieves across boundaries, netting almost a dozen arrests since November. More Puget Sound police departments are also standing up "CATCON ID" programs, offering drivers a free way to engrave their devices to make them less attractive to thieves and easier to track if they are stolen.

Related coverage:

• Bill To Curb Catalytic Converter Thefts Passes WA House
• Catalytic Converter Bill Targets Illicit Market In Washington
• Catalytic Converter Task Force Targets Eastside Thefts