Monroe County lawmakers working to pass new catalytic converter legislation

ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WHEC) — Monroe County Legislators are working to pass brand new catalytic converter legislation.

Monday local law enforcement joined Republican legislators to announce an effort to reduce the thefts from vehicles.

The proposed law would mandate that the cash payout of scrap catalytic converters isn’t distributed until 14 days after the part is delivered to a scrapyard.

The sale would require a valid ID and a paper trail leading back to the vehicle it’s from.

"Sadly criminals have begun their prey on private cars sitting in home driveways, businesses who operate automotive fleets and even school buses to turn around and scrap these devices for cash," said Monroe County Legislator Paul Dondorfer (R-Penfield).

The legislation would also increase fines for those caught committing the thefts of these valuable parts.

This comes as Monroe County, as well as the nation as a whole, has seen increases in catalytic converter thefts since January of 2021. A similar bill was introduced at the state level, but it’s still in committee.

A public hearing date for this legislation is expected to be set at Tuesday’s meeting of the legislature.

It could be voted on for adoption as soon as Sept. 14.