The Pennsylvania House of Representatives passed a bill regarding catalytic converter theft. 

House Bill 791 amends the Scrap Material Theft Prevention Act to place additional requirements on scrap processors and recycling facility operators who purchase catalytic converters.

The bill would require scrap processors and recycling facility operators collect identification information for those cashing in a catalytic converter and penalizes businesses that don't collect that information correctly. This bill would also require recycling facilities to comply with a holding period for transactions that include a catalytic converter.

The legislation would also make it an offense for people that is not affiliated with a commercial account to, without proper justification, intentionally possess a detached catalytic converter. The bill would make this a third-degree misdemeanor that is punishable by up to one year in jail or a fine of up to $2,500.

This legislation would take effect in 60 days upon enactment.

PMTA President and CEO Rebecca Oyler shared testimony with the House Committee on the impact of catalytic converter theft on the trucking industry. 

She shared personal stories of Pennsylvania Truckers. 

She says while all car-owners are targets, this crime is particularly devastating for truck drivers.

“For many drivers, their trucks are their livelihoods,” Oyler said. “For small businesses, trucks are often the only way they can get to their job sites and customers, deliver their products or provide their services. Putting their trucks out of commission puts their business out of commission.”

Oyler says the cost of replacing a new catalytic converter can range from $1,000 to $2,500, and that doesn’t factor in the business lost due to the truck being out of service.

The bill now heads to the Senate for consideration.