SPRINGFIELD – To reduce the number of stolen car parts, Assistant Majority Leader Tony Munoz (D-Chicago) is sponsoring a measure that would require people to keep record of the sale of catalytic converters that passed the Senate Transportation Committee Tuesday.

“The increase in catalytic converter thefts is unjustifiable,” Munoz said. “We have to find a way to protect people’s vehicles by tightening the law that many are finding a way around.”

House Bill 107 would add catalytic converters to the definition of recyclable metal, requiring record keeping on the purchase of catalytic converters. The license plate number of the vehicle, photographs or video of the seller, a verified name and address of the seller and a signed declaration by the seller stating that the catalytic converter was stolen would be required.

In addition, the measure would prohibit a recyclable metal dealer from purchasing a catalytic converter with a value over $100 with cash.

According to a recent ABC report, Illinois ranks third in the nation for catalytic converter thefts with over a 300% increase since 2019.

“Removing cash as a way to pay for catalytic converters creates a barrier for the individuals stealing these parts to protect innocent residents,” Munoz said.

House Bill 107 passed the Senate Transportation Committee and heads to the full Senate for further consideration.

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