Senate approves Richardville bill to help protect car owners from catalytic converter theft
LANSING—The Senate today approved legislation that would increase the penalty for the theft of catalytic converters on vehicles, said Sen. Randy Richardville, sponsor of the measure.
“The number of catalytic converter thefts has recently increased due to rising prices of scrap metal,” said Richardville, R-Monroe. “Because car owners are required to replace the converters once they are aware the device has been removed, it can result in an expensive repair bill. This legislation should help deter theft by developing stricter penalties.”
Catalytic converters are attached to vehicle exhaust systems and are required by the Environmental Protection Agency to help filter engine emissions that can harm the environment. Thieves steal the devices to obtain scrap metal, such as the valuable platinum contained inside.
Under Senate Bill 1193, theft of the converters will be added to the list of felony larceny of motor vehicle parts and be punishable by up to five years in prison and/or a fine of up to $10,000.
Dennis Doherty, the assistant prosecuting attorney for Wayne County, recently testified in support of the legislation at a Senate Judiciary Committee meeting.
“The theft of catalytic converters has quickly become a problem throughout all of Michigan,” said Doherty. “The fact that stealing a catalytic converter is simply a misdemeanor has only added to the increase in this crime. Sen. Richardville’s bill now makes stealing a catalytic converter a felony, thus giving law enforcement the power it needs to help reduce this costly crime.”
The legislation has been sent to the House for consideration.
Posted: Tuesday, June 03, 2008
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