Editor's note. This originally appeared in National Oil & Lube News.
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz signed a bill last week that will label catalytic converters to help reduce theft, Valley News Live reports.
The bill was signed Thursday, March 16, and will require catalytic converters to have the vehicle identification number of the car it originated from labeled on them. It also increases criminal penalties for the illegal possession or sale of converters.
Some shop owners have voiced approval of the bill, such as Vernon Enwman, district manager at Matt’s Automotive Service Center.
“As a shop, we probably won’t see a ton of changes on what we do with our scrap metal when we get rid of it,” he said, “but for the consumers, we hope to see less and less of replacing the catalytic converters as a part of this bill.”
Johnson Auto Repair owner Dennis Johnson agreed. “With the bill of stamping converters and if they can keep the cost down on them, I think they’re on the right track."
Governor Walz stated in a press release that he hopes the bill will “help protect Minnesotans’ property and bring peace of mind.”
“Those who commit these brazen crimes should know that there will be accountability,” Walz added.
