Sacramento – Dr. Jasmeet Bains (D-Delano) announced that her legislation to crackdown on catalytic converter theft was signed into law by Governor Newsom. Dr. Bains introduced Assembly Bill 1519 earlier this year as reports of brazen catalytic converter thefts continue to plague drivers throughout California.
“Sacramento has been missing in action on this issue,” said Dr. Bains. “Catalytic converter thieves have targeted California drivers more than anywhere else in the nation. One-third of these crimes happen here, and our laws do nothing more than slap thieves on the wrist. Bills get introduced every year, but they either fail or get watered down to do nothing before being passed. I am happy to report that is not the case this year. Law enforcement now has a new set of tools to hold thieves accountable.”
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.
“We need law enforcement to put these thieves in handcuffs, but instead our laws have handcuffed law enforcement,” said Dr. Bains. “Criminals have become so brazen they commit these thefts out in public in the middle of the day for all to see. There has been no fear of accountability, and victims have had little to no hope for justice. That changes now.”
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.
Dr. Jasmeet Bains represents the 35th Assembly District in Kern County which includes the cities of Bakersfield, Delano, Wasco, Arvin, Shafter, and McFarland.
Previous Stories:
- Aug 24 – Oakley Police Catch Catalytic Converter Thieves Associated with a Firearm
- April 19 – Bill Cracking Down on Catalytic Converter Theft Advances
