Sept. 27, 2022—California Gov. Gavin Newsom signed legislation directed at combatting catalytic converter theft.
According to The Sacramento Bee, Newsom signed a pair of bills on Sunday. AB 1740 was introduced by Assembly member Al Muratsuchi, D-Torrance, and requires catalytic converter recyclers to make record of the model, make and year of the vehicle. Additionally, it prohibits recyclers from purchasing catalytic converters from anyone aside from the vehicle's owner or a licensed commercial business.
SB 1087 was introduced by introduced by Sen. Lena Gonzalez, D-Long Beach. It puts restrictions on catalytic converter purchases, making it so that the parts can only be purchased from a dealer, automotive specialist or vehicle owner. Violation fees are $1,000 to $5,000.
Gov. Newsom hopes that, in signing these bills, California can be a leader in fighting catalytic converter theft.
