Senator Kaplan Calls for Catalytic Converter Theft Prevention Legislation to be Signed into Law

In light of the recent increase in catalytic converter thefts on Long Island, New York State Senator Anna M. Kaplan (D-Port Washington) is calling on Governor Kathy Hochul to sign S.9428 into law without delay. The bill, which is sponsored by Senator Diane Savino (D-Staten Island) and co-sponsored by Senator Kaplan, was passed by the State Senate and Assembly earlier this year, and would severely curtail the resale market for stolen parts and provide free tools to vehicle owners to deter theft and help law enforcement catch thieves.

Senator Anna M. Kaplan said "We need to give our law enforcement the tools and resources they need, and while I've been proud to deliver more funding to our police to help them keep our community safe, we can still do more to address the theft of catalytic converters in our community. I was proud to help pass legislation that will crack down on the black market for stolen parts and give our police more tools to catch the criminals responsible for these costly crimes, and I'm calling on Governor Hochul to sign it into law without delay."

The bill, S.9428/A.1940:

• Imposes restrictions on the purchase, sale and possession of catalytic converters by dismantlers, scrap processors, and others. The bill will deter thieves from stealing catalytic converters in the first place by requiring vehicle dismantlers and scrap processors to maintain a paper trail and information on the seller of a catalytic converter that law enforcement may use in their investigations, and will ensure consequences for those caught stealing catalytic converters.
• Includes fines and penalties for those failing to maintain proper documentation in compliance with the law.
• Requires vehicle dealers to stock catalytic converter etching kits to be offered with new vehicles at no cost so that people can place serial numbers on their catalytic converters to deter theft and aid law enforcement investigations

The bill passed both the New York State Senate and Assembly in June, 2022, and it will take effect 180 days after being signed into law.