State Rep. Bill Roemer (R-Richfield) has announced that the Ohio House has passed House Bill 328, which is intended to enhance law enforcement’s capacity to investigate and fight the rising issue of catalytic converter theft.
House Bill 328 aims to enhance consumer protection against catalytic converter theft and provide more precise instructions for businesses that handle these components. Thieves target catalytic converters due to their high-value precious metals such as platinum, palladium, and rhodium, which can be rapidly converted into cash. It takes only about three minutes for these parts to be stolen, making them an easy and lucrative target for criminals.
According to Roemer, social service agencies have fallen prey to the theft of catalytic converters, which has hindered their ability to serve the most vulnerable members of society. He has spent nearly four years working on a meticulously crafted bill that will safeguard the people of Ohio. House Bill 328 is a testament to his dedication towards protecting the well-being of Ohioans.
The bill incorporates various crucial measures to ensure the safety and security of consumers and businesses alike:
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- Recordkeeping Requirements: Scrap metal dealers and other purchasers of used catalytic converters must comply with additional recordkeeping, reporting, and processing requirements.
- Enhanced Penalties for Theft: The bill increases penalties for theft when the stolen item is a catalytic converter.
- Enhanced Penalties for Receiving Stolen Property: The bill also raises penalties for receiving stolen property when the item is a catalytic converter.
The Ohio Senate will now take up House Bill 328 for further consideration.