Hurley-backed Effort to Stop Catalytic Converter Theft Now Law

CHICAGO – Catalytic converter thieves will be unable to easily sell stolen parts for quick cash without creating a paper trail under a new law supported by state Rep. Fran Hurley, D-Chicago.

“There has been a significant rise in catalytic converter thefts in recent years, which are a real safety risk for innocent vehicle owners who are being targeted,” Hurley said. “Criminals like to do catalytic converter thefts because they see it as an easy opportunity to make a quick buck. This new law understands how these bad actors make their money, which is why we’re updating requirements to make metal recyclers and scrap yards record and identify these parts sellers.”

Hurley was a chief cosponsor of House Bill 107, a bipartisan effort that targets the root incentives of catalytic converter theft by requiring scrap yards and metal recyclers to review and record the identification of sellers. In situations that a seller does not possess a Secretary of State issued license identifying them as an automotive parts recycler or scrap processor, the seller will now be required to fill out a 1099-MISC tax form by the buyer. Additionally, House Bill 107 outlines that if a catalytic converter is valued at more than $100, buyers would now be prohibited from paying for it in cash.

House Bill 107 was recently signed into law by the governor.

“If we want to address crime comprehensively and effectively, we have to target the incentives that make crimes worthwhile in the minds of thieves,” Hurley said. “This is going to make people think twice, and I’m hopeful that it will help reverse the trend in catalytic converter thefts.”