SAINT PAUL, Minn. - Today, the Minnesota House of Representatives passed, HF 30 , catalytic converter theft prevention legislation, with a 113-15 vote. The bill is authored by Rep. Ruth Richardson (DFL – Mendota Heights).
“This legislation is a collective response from our constituents who are calling on us to do more to prevent catalytic converter theft,” said Rep. Richardson. “Minnesota ranks in the top five for catalytic converter theft insurance claims. These thefts are hurting Minnesotans pocketbooks as replacements costs can exceed $2,000. This bill will provide additional tools to law enforcement to crack down on these thefts including large scale criminal enterprises.”
This bill will prohibit scrap metal dealers from purchasing a catalytic converter that is not attached to a motor vehicle unless the catalytic converter contains identifying markings that can be used to connect the catalytic converter to a vehicle. Furthermore, scrap metal dealers must collect certain information to aid law enforcement and enter data into an electronic database.
“Minnesota has one of the highest rates of catalytic converter theft in the nation, and victims suffer significant financial burden and stress,” said Speaker Melissa Hortman. “This legislation is long overdue action to deter thieves and bad actors.”
“We know that victims of catalytic converter theft experience huge disruptions to their lives through no fault of their own,” said House Majority Leader Jamie Long. “Law enforcement officials have testified in committee hearings in support of this bill and tell us that they cannot arrest their way out of this problem. Voting for this bill is a vote to get the problem of catalytic converter theft under control.”
You can watch the presentation and testimony of the bill here.