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Minutes for HB2326 - Committee on Judiciary
Short Title
Extending the sunset date on the scrap metal theft reduction act and clarifying that catalytic converters are covered by the act.
Minutes Content for Thu, Feb 16, 2023
Chairperson opened the hearing on HB2326. Natalie Scott (Attachment 1) provided an explanation of her Bill Brief.
Proponent
Detective Dustin Fussell (Attachment 2) explained the catalytic converter theft has been and continues to be a large problem in Wichita. They have utilized the scrap metal database and have seen had success using that information to effectively investigate cases. The Wichita Police Department supports HB2326. Detective Fussell asked the committee to recommend the bill favorably for passage. He stood for questions.
Robert Jacobs (Attachment 3) stated the Scrap Metal Reduction Act has assisted law enforcement across the state by providing officers with the needed information to help investigate and reduce metal thefts in their communities. Copper, which was once the primary target of metal thieves has been replaced with catalytic converters, due to the various precious metals contained within these items. Mr. Jacobs said the Kansas Bureau of Investigation supports extending the sunset on the Scrap Metal Theft Reduction Act. He stood for questions.
Written Proponent
Shahira Stafford, Kansas Cooperative Council (Attachment 4)
Tim Lynch, Senior Director, Strategy, Policy and Government Affairs National Insurance Crime Bureau (Attachment 5)
Don McNeely, President, Kansas Automotive Dealers Association (Attachment 6)
Chairperson Patton closed the hearing on HB2326.
