Ohio House Sends Bill to Combat Catalytic Converter Theft to Governor DeWine

COLUMBUS—State Representative Bill Romer (R-Richfield) is pleased to announce that the Ohio House of Representatives concurred with Senate amendments to House Bill 210, legislation to protect Ohioans from catalytic converter theft.

The bill intends to better protect consumers from catalytic converter theft, equip law enforcement, and create more transparent guidelines for businesses. Catalytic converters take about three minutes to steal and appeal to those who need cash fast, as they contain precious metals.

Key provisions of the measure are as follows: 

• Requires scrap metal dealers and other buyers of used catalytic converters to comply with recordkeeping, reporting, and transaction requirements and establishes penalties for noncompliance.
• Expands the authority and responsibilities of the Director of Public Safety related to the oversight and investigation of scrap metal dealers and other buyers of used catalytic converters.
• Prohibits motor vehicle salvage dealers from purchasing or accepting catalytic converters.
• Creates new criminal offenses for the theft of and receipt of stolen catalytic converters.
   

“Catalytic theft is a plague on working Ohioans, and I’m excited to announce House Bill 210 was sent to the Governor after almost unanimously passing the legislature,” said Roemer. “I have worked on this issue for more than six years because I have seen firsthand the disruption and financial hardship these thefts can cause.  When catalytic converters were stolen from vehicles at my church, it reinforced just how vulnerable families, community organizations, and businesses are to this crime.  My House Bill 210 strengthens accountability and provides additional tools to help deter theft, protect property owners, and keep Ohioans from catalytic converter theft.”

The legislation now awaits a signature from the Governor.