JOINT RELEASE: SIGNED! Pair of Bipartisan Bills to Crack Down on Catalytic Converter Thefts, Create a Safer Colorado

Legislation will reduce crime, improve public safety

DENVER, CO - Governor Jared Polis today signed into law a pair of bipartisan bills to crack down on catalytic converter thefts and create a safer Colorado.

SB22-009, sponsored by Senators Joann Ginal, D-Fort Collins, and Dennis Hisey, R-Fountain, and Representatives Shannon Bird, D-Westminster, and Adrienne Benavidez, D-Commerce City, will cut down on the spiking number of catalytic converter thefts across Colorado by giving state regulators more oversight of aftermarket sales of catalytic converters and make it easier to prosecute “chop shops” for selling stolen ones.

“Catalytic converter theft has become a huge problem here in Colorado and throughout our nation, and it’s only getting worse,” said Ginal. “Coloradans depend on their cars for everyday things like getting to work and picking up groceries, and an inoperable car can cause real harm and unnecessary costs. This new law will help us crack down on those thefts by allowing the state to go after the market that encourages these crimes, educate folks on how to keep their property secure, and better protect Coloradans property and our communities.”

“This new law will help address the rising number of catalytic converter thefts by cracking down on chop shops and aftermarket sales that are driving demand for stolen parts,” said Bird. “These costly repairs are often unaffordable for families and can significantly disrupt daily life for anyone who relies on their car. I’m proud we are taking action to prevent these thefts and help Coloradans avoid expensive trips to the mechanic.”

Polis also signed HB22-1217, sponsored by Ginal, Benavidez, and Rep. Rod Bockenfeld, R-Aurora, which creates a grant program - funded by penalties accrued under companion legislation, SB22-179 - aimed at increasing public awareness around catalytic converter theft and providing financial assistance to victims of catalytic converter theft.

“The theft of catalytic converters is costing Coloradans money and making life miserable for the victims of these thefts,” said Benavidez. “These new laws will protect vehicle owners, help Coloradans avoid costly repairs, and give law enforcement additional tools to go after the people selling stolen parts.”

Catalytic converters control the exhaust emissions from vehicles and play an important role in reducing harmful pollutants. They have recently become a target for thieves because they contain precious metal alloys that have high resale values.

According to the National Insurance Crime Bureau, catalytic converter thefts nationwide have more than quadrupled recently, from 3,389 in 2019 to 14,433 in 2020.