Drafter
Clerk 03/03/2022
Title
A MOTION supporting and encouraging the passage of a bill deterring catalytic converter theft and requesting briefings on the state's catalytic converter theft work group convened to study and provide options and recommendations related to reducing catalytic converter theft in Washington state.
Body
WHEREAS, a catalytic converter is an exhaust emission control device that alters the harmful substances in a vehicle's exhaust gasses, such as carbon monoxide, nitric oxide, nitrogen dioxide and hydrocarbons, into less-harmful substances, such as carbon dioxide and water vapor, by means of chemical reactions, and
WHEREAS, a catalytic converter is made up of precious metals, such as palladium, rhodium and platinum, which contribute to their economic value, and
WHEREAS, in January 2020 through December 2021, there have been more than four hundred sixty reported catalytic converter thefts in King County and more than three thousand nine hundred statewide;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT MOVED by the Council of King County:
A. The council supports Engrossed Second Substitute House Bill 1815 in the Washington state Legislature, and encourages the Washington state Senate pass Engrossed Second Substitute House Bill 1815 during its 2022 legislative session.
B. If Engrossed Second Substitute House Bill 1815 becomes law, the council requests briefings to the council's law, justice, health and human services committee by the department of public safety and the prosecuting attorney's office regarding the status of the study to be prepared by the catalytic converter theft work group contemplated by Section 2 of Engrossed Second Substitute House Bill 1815. The council requests that the department of public safety and the prosecuting attorney's office provide the first briefing on or before June 15, 2022, and the second briefing on or before November 15, 2022. The briefings may include:
1. Any opportunities where King County can engage with the work group;
2. Statistics on catalytic converter thefts in King County;
3. Status updates on the progress of the work group; and
4. Potential impacts to King County due to recommendations from the work group.