Weekend Shooting in Converter Theft Shows Escalating Danger of Inaction
Over the weekend, a young man in St. Paul was shot during a non-fatal altercation in which he confronted suspects who were trying to steal the catalytic converter from his car. In response, Senator John Marty (DFL-Roseville) released the following statement:
“I’ve been pushing for three years for a hearing on legislation to address the growing problem of catalytic converter theft. The event that transpired over this weekend speaks to how the issue of catalytic converter theft continues to escalate. Fortunately, the injuries sustained by the young man are noncritical. However, we must move forward with legislation to address this issue. The first committee deadline is this Friday. Last year, almost 2,000 catalytic converters were stolen in St. Paul alone and repairs can cost a vehicle owner upwards of $3,000. This issue has impacted vehicle-owners across the state, however, the Senate has yet to give hearings on a bill to address it.
There have been three years of requests for a committee hearing, without any action, despite support for the bill from the Minnesota Chiefs of Police and the International Association of Auto Theft Investigators. Last year, I tried every possible approach to move the legislation. Now there is less than a week left until the committee deadline.
I ask for the Senate Commerce Committee to hear SF 2491 promptly. Catalytic Converter theft is a public safety issue that, as the event of this last weekend revealed, has consequences that are not just financially devastating – but also dangerous. Minnesota can no longer wait for a solution to address this ongoing issue.”
*Attached are copies of the bill summary for SF 2491 along with letters of support from the Association of Auto Theft Investigators and the Minnesota Chiefs of Police.
Learn more about Sen. Marty.
Read more news from Sen. Marty.
