Senate Bill 167, authored by Sen. Jack Sandlin, R-Indianapolis, adds catalytic converters, an exhaust emission control device, to a list of ‘component parts’ of a vehicle. The theft of any of these parts would result in a Level 6 felony. Because of the metal makeup of the converters and their location on cars, they are relatively easy to take off and are worth substantial sums of money at scrapyards.
The theft of catalytic converters is a big issue in Johnson County, where Villanueva told lawmakers his office files one almost every other day. And it’s not unique to Johnson County. He said current law does not go far enough in holding offenders responsible.
“If this happens to someone, they’re looking at more than a thousand dollars in expenses, having their car towed, buying a new part, having it installed, not to mention possible loss in income because they can’t drive,” Villanueva said. “These are your constituents being harmed. Your neighbors, your local businesses.”
Villanueva thanked Sen. Sandlin for his work on the bill and the Senate Corrections and Criminal Law committee for hearing it. SB 167 passed out of the committee 8-0.
About the Indiana Prosecuting Attorneys Council: The IPAC is a non-partisan, independent state judicial branch agency that supports Indiana's 91 prosecuting attorneys and their chief deputies. It is governed by a 10-member board of directors of elected prosecuting attorneys. The IPAC assists prosecuting attorneys in the preparation of manuals, legal research and training seminars. It serves as a liaison to local, state, and federal agencies, study commissions, and community groups in an effort to support law enforcement and promote the fair administration of justice.