Washington state lawmakers consider catalytic converter theft regulations

Lawmakers in Washington state are scheduled to vote on two bills related to catalytic converter theft. According to a report from The Seattle Times, a spike in catalytic converter thefts in the state have prompted state lawmakers to address the issue. The Seattle Times reports that there were 241 reported catalytic converter thefts for the first half of 2021.

Washington Senate Bill 5495, sponsored by Sen. Jeff Wilson and introduced Dec. 6, 2021, would add precious metals to a list of transactions that scrap metal businesses must record. Washington House Bill 1815, sponsored by Rep. Cindy Ryu and introduced Jan. 6, would create a task force to review state laws related to catalytic converter theft and develop recommendations for the future. It also would establish a pilot project through the Washington State Patrol to put identifying information on people’s catalytic converters so they can be tracked. Both bills are scheduled for committee votes Jan. 27.

Some industry proponents expressed opposition to SB 5495 during a Jan. 25 public hearing, including the Washington-based Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries (ISRI). Holly Chisa, representing ISRI’s Pacific Northwest Chapter as a lobbyist, said that it is already illegal under current law for scrap yards to purchase stolen material. She said scrap yard operators are required to document purchases of personal metal property and maintain those records for five years. Chisa added that she prefers HB 1815 to SB 5495.