Oregon State Legislature : Senator Gorsek Passes Bill to Address Illegal Catalytic Converter Market

OREGON SENATE DEMOCRATS

Salem, Oregon

Oregon State Legislature

PRESS RELEASE

April 21, 2021

CONTACT: Amanda Kraus, 503-986-1074

[e-mail]

Senator Gorsek Champions Bill

to Address Illegal Catalytic Converter Market

SALEM - Today, the Oregon State Senate passed Senate Bill 803. The bill will provide additional requirements for the sale of scrap metal in order to curb the rise in theft of catalytic converters.

"Over the past year our community has grown, density has increased, and vehicles are often parked on the street. This has made theft from vehicles - including vehicle parts - easier," said Senator Chris Gorsek (D-Troutdale) who carried Senate Bill 803. "The bill seeks to remove the market demand for stolen catalytic converters by adding requirements for scrap metal businesses purchasing a catalytic converter. This approach will eliminate the market for contraband converters, rather than simply adding punitive measures."

Catalytic converters have been installed in almost all gasoline vehicles sold in the United States. They are coated with precious metals like palladium, rhodium and platinum, which scrub toxic pollutants from a vehicle's exhaust. The metals have significant monetary value.

"Reputable businesses do not want stolen goods and sometimes it is difficult to tell if the product they are purchasing was obtained legally," said Senator Gorsek. "Adding this layer of accountability gives everyone the assurance that they are acting within the law and that they are not unknowingly and negatively impacting other Oregonians," he added.

"Senator Gorsek did great work to address this problem in a specific and nuanced way," said Senate Majority Leader Rob Wagner (D-Lake Oswego). "I appreciate his diligence and thoughtful approach; I was proud to vote 'Aye' today."

Senate Bill 803 passed with broad support; it now goes to the Oregon House of Representatives for consideration.

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