Catalytic converter theft bill gets hearing
STAFF REPORT | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 3 years, 7 months AGO
A bill in the Washington State Senate would fight catalytic converter theft by targeting the purchasers of the stolen parts. Catalytic converters are made with a variety of precious metals which make them the target of sale and subsequent sales to scrap metal facilities.
CREATIVE COMMONS
OLYMPIA — A bill to combat catalytic converter theft in Washington moves forward today with a hearing in the Senate Law and Justice Committee, according to a statement from Sen. Jeff Wilson, R-Longview.
Senate Bill 5740 would penalize those who purchase stolen catalytic converters in order to recycle them for their valuable precious-metal content, according to the statement.
Under the bill, anybody who purchases catalytic converters removed from vehicles must:
• Obtain a valid license as a scrap dealer or an auto wrecker,
• Post it on display at their place of business,
• Keep meticulous records of each transaction, including a photocopy of the seller’s driver's license, and,
• Promptly report any transaction to police that appears to be suspicious.
Anyone purchasing five or more catalytic converters without a license would be guilty of a Class B felony, trafficking in catalytic converters, punishable by up to seven years in prison. Purchase of four or fewer would be a Class C felony, the statement said.
“Thousands of motorists across Washington state have been victimized by thieves who crawl under their cars and trucks with reciprocating saws and lop off their tailpipes,” Wilson wrote in the statement. “Repairs can cost thousands of dollars, depending on the model and the extent of the damage, and vehicles can be laid up for weeks.”
The approach the bill takes, targeting the market rather than the individual thief, is a novel one, the statement said.
“It’s already illegal to steal a catalytic converter, and obviously that isn’t enough,” Wilson wrote. “We need to aim higher, at those further up the chain. We need to realize this really is an organized crime.”
ARTICLES BY STAFF REPORT
Westbound Winchester rest area closed until further notice
MOSES LAKE — The Winchester rest area west of Moses Lake will be closed for an undetermined length of time as Washington Department of Transportation crews drill a new well. The westbound rest stop was closed in mid-September, according to a WSDOT press release. "Crews identified significant issues with the facility's well system," the press release said. "Further evaluation determined that a full well replacement would be needed to restore reliable water service to the rest area." The replacement is expected to take at least until mid-December, the WSDOT release said. "The process requires funding, permitting and hiring a contractor," it said. The eastbound rest area will still be open, and has the nearest RV dump, the release said. The nearest westbound rest areas are at Schrag, 22 miles west of Ritzville, and Ryegrass, 25 miles west of George.
Soap Lake to hold cleanup day
SOAP LAKE — Residents of Soap Lake can dispose of household refuse at the city’s Free Fall Cleanup Friday through Sunday, according to a statement from the city. The cleanup is for Soap Lake residents only, the city wrote, and either a photo ID or a current utility bill will be required as proof of residency. Certain items may not be dropped off, including liquids, animal carcasses, car parts, appliances, oil and hazardous materials, according to the statement. The city may limit the number of loads per household if it becomes excessive. Materials may be brought to the Cardboard Recycling Center on Second Avenue Southwest, according to the statement.
Household hazardous materials disposal Friday in Mattawa
MATTAWA — People who want to dispose of those mostly empty paint cans and bottles of weed spray, or those burned-out fluorescent tubes, among many other things, will have the opportunity at a household hazardous waste event from noon to 3 p.m. Friday.