AUSTIN, Texas — A bill to put a stop to catalytic converter thefts is soon headed to the Texas Senate floor for a final vote after a criminal justice committee unanimously approved it on Tuesday.
SB 224, if passed, would make it a criminal offense if a person were found with a stolen catalytic converter.
It also allows catalytic converter theft to be prosecuted as organized crime.
"It creates a presumption of theft for being in possession of property that contains a catalytic converter removed from a vehicle and that presumption would allow law enforcement to immediately take action when that catalytic converter is suspected to be stolen," said John Whitmire, chairman of the Senate Criminal Justice Committee. "That's one of the biggest issues now is that it's not a crime to possess a stolen catalytic converter because it's so difficult to prove so this creates that presumption that makes it easier for law enforcement."
A recent report shows Texas ranks second for catalytic converter thefts in the U.S.
Thefts have increased by 400% since 2019, according to the report from State Farm. According to the San Antonio Police Department, 2,624 catalytic converters were stolen in 2021. In 2022, that number spiked to more than 3,500.
Senator Paul Bettencourt (R-Houston), whose SB 465 language was added to SB 224, said theft losses from criminal rings targeting catalytic converters amount to more than $100 million a year.
State Sen. Carol Alvarado, a Democrat from Houston, introduced the bill. She named it after Harris County Deputy Darren Almendarez, who was shot and killed when he tried to stop three men from stealing a catalytic converter from his personal car outside a grocery store.
Almendarez’s wife, Flor Zarzoza, testified before the committee. She was with her husband when he was killed.
“My fear is that every time I step out, I stand there and freeze before I walk towards the truck," said Zarzoza. "I don’t know who’s under there. It’s a chance that am I’m taking. I shouldn’t be living in fear.”
The bill would still have to be approved by the Texas House if the Senate OKs it.
Learn more about KENS 5:
Since going on the air in 1950, KENS 5 has strived to be the best, most trusted news and entertainment source for generations of San Antonians.
KENS 5 has brought numerous firsts to South Texas television, including being the first local station with a helicopter, the first with its own Doppler radar and the first to air a local morning news program.
Over the years, KENS 5 has worked to transform local news. Our cameras have been the lens bringing history into local viewers' homes. We're proud of our legacy as we serve San Antonians today.
Today, KENS 5 continues to set the standard in local broadcasting and is recognized by its peers for excellence and innovation. The KENS 5 News team focuses on stories that really matter to our community.
You can find KENS 5 in more places than ever before, including KENS5.com, the KENS 5 app, the KENS 5 YouTube channel, KENS 5's Roku and Fire TV apps, and across social media on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and more!
Want to get in touch with someone at KENS 5? You can send a message using our Contacts page or email one of our team members.