Sacramento – Dr. Jasmeet Bains (D-Delano) announced that the Assembly Transportation Committee has passed her bill to combat skyrocketing rates of catalytic converter theft. Dr. Bains introduced Assembly Bill 1519 earlier this year as reports of brazen catalytic converter thefts continue to plague drivers throughout California.
“Over the last five years, catalytic converter thefts have increased more than tenfold and California leads the nation accounting for more than 30% of all insurance claims,” said Dr. Bains. “Once stolen, thieves typically flip catalytic converters for $50-$500 while victims can expect to pay anywhere from $1,000 to $4,000 to get their vehicle fixed.”
Marking a catalytic converter with a vehicle’s VIN is a best practice recommended by law enforcement agencies throughout the country as well as the Bureau of Automotive Repair. AB 1519 makes it illegal to remove a VIN marking that has been placed on a catalytic converter. The bill also makes it illegal to possess three or more catalytic converters that have had their VIN markings removed.
“Law enforcement need additional tools to stop these crimes,” continued Dr. Bains. “Current law makes it nearly impossible to prosecute people unless they are caught red-handed in the middle of the act. This has led to brazen thefts as criminals know there is little chance they will be held accountable.
“My bill will put an end to this behavior. Drivers need to know that marking their catalytic converter is worth it and will deter thieves from targeting their vehicles. That’s exactly what my bill does. Thieves won’t touch a marked catalytic converter if they know they cannot get away with it scot-free.”
AB 1519 is supported by numerous law enforcement organizations including the California District Attorneys Association, the California Police Chiefs Association, the California Association of Highway Patrolmen, and the Peace Officers Research Association of California.
AB 1519 next heads to the Assembly Public Safety Committee. If approved, the bill will advance to the Assembly Appropriations Committee before receiving a full vote on the Assembly Floor in mid-May.
Dr. Jasmeet Bains represents the 35th Assembly District in Kern County which includes the cities of Bakersfield, Delano, Wasco, Arvin, Shafter, and McFarland.
