Catalytic Converter Thefts In Bucks Co. Targeted By Legislation

BUCKS COUNTY, PA — The state senate has unanimously approved legislation sponsored by Bucks County State Sen. Frank Farry (R-6) to help address the surge in catalytic converter thefts in Bucks County and across Pennsylvania.

Senate Bill 914 repeals the Scrap Metal Theft Prevention Act and moves the requirements to Title 18, the Crimes Code. Title 18 requires scrap processors and recycling facilities to collect buyer information, set commercial-account rules, restrict purchases of certain materials and create penalties – giving law enforcement and prosecutors stronger tools to investigate, track and prosecute catalytic converter thefts.

“Catalytic converter thefts have become a major problem in communities across the state,” Farry said. “One of my top priorities is keeping our communities safe, and this bill gives law enforcement and prosecutors stronger tools to charge and convict those responsible for these crimes.”

The proposal is part of Farry’s broader crime prevention package – a series of bills Farry is working closely with Bucks County District Attorney Jennifer Schorn and local law enforcement officials on to ensure police and prosecutors have the resources they need to keep our communities safe.

Two of his proposals have already been signed into law:

• Act 41 of 2023 – Established penalties for theft of mail and packages, including enhanced grading for repeat offenders.
• Act 103 of 2024 – Increased fines and penalties for illegal street racing and allows vehicle seizure for repeat offenders.

Farry is also advancing several other measures to improve public safety, including legislation to increase penalties for gun store robberies, hold rioters and organizers accountable, add protections for delivery drivers, enforce mandatory jail time for felons illegally possessing firearms and expand the use of DNA in the criminal justice system.

The bill now heads to the House of Representatives for consideration.

Pennsylvania's sixth senatorial district includes Warrington, Warwick, Wrightstown, Northampton, Warminster, Ivyland Borough, Upper Southampton, Lower Southampton, Bemsalem, Middletown, Langhorne Borough, Langhorne Manor, Penndel and Hulmeville.