- October 12, 2024
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Орлов Александр -
The House on Wednesday gave final approval to a bill aimed at curbing thefts of catalytic converters from vehicles.
The House voted 105-2 to pass the bill (SB 306), which the Senate approved unanimously early this month. It is now ready to go to Gov. Ron DeSantis.
Catalytic converters are valuable to thieves because they contain precious metals such as palladium and platinum. Supporters of the bill have said thieves quickly cut catalytic converters off vehicles and sell the devices because of the metals.
The bill includes creating third-degree felony charges for “knowingly” purchasing, possessing or selling stolen catalytic converters.
Also, the bill would create an “inference” that people with two or more detached catalytic converters knew or should have known they were stolen or fraudulently obtained.
Rep. Ashley Gantt, D-Miami, and Rep. Mike Gottlieb, D-Davie, cast the dissenting votes Wednesday.
