SAINT PAUL, Minn. - Today, the Minnesota House of Representatives passed HF 30, a bill to crack down on the thefts of catalytic converters. The bill passed on a vote of 113-15.
Rep. Liz Olson (DFL – Duluth) voted for the bill.
“Catalytic converter thefts have been increasing at an alarming rate in communities across the state, disrupting Minnesotans’ lives and impacting their pocketbooks,” Rep. Olson said. “With Minnesota having the fifth-highest rate of thefts in the nation, I’m proud to support this legislation to deter thieves and hold bad actors accountable.”
This bill will prohibit scrap metal dealers from purchasing a catalytic converter that is not attached to a motor vehicle unless the catalytic converter contains identifying markings that can be used to connect the catalytic converter to a vehicle. Furthermore, scrap metal dealers must collect certain information to aid law enforcement and enter data into an electronic database.
The bill is advancing in the Minnesota Senate where it is scheduled for a hearing in the Finance Committee Tuesday.