Missouri lawmakers are proposing a bill to crack down on catalytic converter thefts by requiring proof of legal ownership or affidavits from sellers. State Rep. David Tyson Smith, D-Columbia, said the law aims to “dry up the market” for stolen converters by holding metal dealers accountable and imposing criminal penalties, according to WGEM.
Catalytic converters, prized for rare minerals like platinum and rhodium, are frequent targets of theft. Similar measures in Kansas City have already cut thefts by 70%, and nationwide claims have dropped 74% since 2022, according to State Farm.
The bipartisan bill reflects statewide efforts to address costly thefts, with average insurance claims exceeding $2,900 in 2024.
