North Egypt News

Rep. Paul Jacobs (R-Carbondale) recently announced that he received unanimous House support for legislation that focuses on cutting down on catalytic converter thefts.

Jacobs posted a video of his presentation to the House on Facebook. He said that the thefts of catalytic converters has hurt schools, churches and nonprofit organizations. 

“I have been made aware through various news and police reports and through individual meetings I have had with constituents that theft involving catalytic converters has become a growing problem throughout the State of Illinois,” Jacobs said on his website. “I am proud to report that a bill I am sponsoring is making its way through the legislative process to address these rising crimes. This is another in a long line of items I am concerned with in regard to the flagrant abuse of the rule of law by criminals emboldened by anti-police policies that have begun taking effect after the signing of the criminal justice reform legislation last year.”

According to his website, HB 4734 prohibits scrap metal processors or automotive parts recyclers from buying or receiving a catalytic converter unless it is from a commercial seller or the owner of the vehicle that it was removed from. The bill also includes record keeping requirements for the purchase of a catalytic converter and prohibits processors and recyclers from buying a catalytic converter that has been taken from a vehicle and sold independently.

A report by WGN 9 in December said that there was a rash of thefts of catalytic converters reported in Chicago, which led to a shortage of replacement parts and rising costs.

“The places that have been most hurt by these theft rings have been schools, daycares, and churches,” Jacobs said. “It is a sad fact that we must address these crimes, as criminals have little regard for the harm they are doing to children and institutions that provide educational and charitable services to children and adults that need help with transportation. I look forward to this legislation clearing the House and Senate and being signed by the governor.”