Ford and Jacobs Team Up on Bipartisan Effort to Stop Catalytic Converter Theft

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Alarmed by the rise of catalytic converter thefts around Illinois, State Rep. La Shawn K. Ford, D-Chicago, and state Rep. Dr. Paul Jacobs, R-Pomona, have advanced legislation that will make it difficult for thieves to sell stolen parts for cash at scrap metal recyclers without creating a paper trail that can prevent the crime in the first place.

“We’re trying to stop criminals from cashing in on this theft,” Ford said. “Right now, it’s too easy for someone to steal a catalytic converter and then take it to a scrap yard for some easy money, no questions asked. This proposal is going to require these bad actors to identify themselves, and I think that’s going to make them think twice.”

“I sincerely appreciate the Rep. Ford’s leadership and the bipartisan cooperation he offered to address this problematic rising crime,” Jacobs said. “It’s a sad fact, but we must address this issue. Catalytic converter thieves have shown little regard for the harm they are doing to individual vehicle owners and institutions that provide educational and charitable services to children and adults that need help with transportation. This legislative package offers strong deterrents for people thinking they can make a quick buck by stealing catalytic converters and companies that might offer thieves cash for stolen converters. I look forward to this bill passing the Senate and being signed by the Governor.”

Ford and Jacobs’ House Bill 107 targets the incentives of catalytic converter theft by requiring scrap yards and metal recyclers to review and record the identification of sellers. If a seller does not have a Secretary of State issued license identifying them as an automotive parts recycler or scrap processor, the seller will be required to fill out a 1099-MISC tax form by the buyer. If a catalytic converter is valued at more than $100, buyers would be prohibited from paying in cash.

“This is a bipartisan solution that will help law enforcement create a paper trail that can help deter or solve crimes,” Ford said. “This bill will help protect innocent car owners who are unfairly being targeted. I appreciate Dr. Jacobs’ leadership on this topic, and encourage the Senate to pass this as soon as they can.”