Oregon bill seeks to address catalytic converter theft

The Oregon State Senate has passed Senate Bill 803, which is designed to provide additional requirements for the sale of scrap metal in an effort to curb the rise in catalytic converter theft in the state.

SB 803 passed with broad support; it now goes to the Oregon House of Representatives for consideration.

The proposed legislation would prohibit scrap metal business from purchasing or receiving catalytic converters, except from commercial sellers or the owner of vehicle from which catalytic converter was removed. It also would prohibit dismantlers from acquiring catalytic converters that have been removed from vehicles.

When receiving the material, scrap dealers would be required to record the “make, model year and the license plate number and state of issue of the motor vehicle or motor vehicles used to transport the individual who conducts the transaction and to transport the nonferrous metal property or private metal property that is the subject of the transaction.”

A specific description of the material also would need to be recorded, as well as the vehicle identification number and a copy of the title or vehicle registration for the vehicle from which catalytic converter was removed.

“Over the past year, our community has grown, density has increased, and vehicles are often parked on the street,” says Sen. Chris Gorsek, who sponsored Senate Bill 803. “This has made theft from vehicles—including vehicle parts—easier. The bill seeks to remove the market demand for stolen catalytic converters by adding requirements for scrap metal businesses purchasing a catalytic converter. This approach will eliminate the market for contraband converters, rather than simply adding punitive measures.”

He adds, “Reputable businesses do not want stolen goods and sometimes it is difficult to tell if the product they are purchasing was obtained legally. Adding this layer of accountability gives everyone the assurance that they are acting within the law and that they are not unknowingly and negatively impacting other Oregonians.

Catalytic converter theft has been increasing in the last year as prices for the platinum group metals they contain, whether platinum, palladium or rhodium, have been trending upward.