Agenda Item #12.4
For Council Meeting of May 9, 2023
CITY OF SANTA ROSA
CITY COUNCIL
TO: MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL
FROM: LON PETERSON, CHIEF OF COMMUNICATIONS & INTERGOVERNMENTAL RELATIONS
COMMUNICATIONS & INTERGOVERNMENTAL RELATIONS OFFICE
SUBJECT: SUPPORT FOR SENATE BILL 55 (UMBERG)
AGENDA ACTION: RESOLUTION
RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended by the Communications & Intergovernmental Relations Office that the Council, by resolution, support Senate Bill 55 (Umberg), which would require car dealers to apply the vehicle identification number (VIN) to the catalytic converter of each vehicle listed for sale.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Senate Bill 55 will require car dealers to mark the catalytic converters of vehicles up for sale. The application of a VIN to a catalytic converter is usually done by etching, a process that is both easy and inexpensive. Requiring the marking of catalytic converters would be a tremendous help to law enforcement in their attempts to control this significant theft issue.
BACKGROUND
The California State Senate Transportation Committee notes that during the COVID-19 pandemic the theft of catalytic converters rose dramatically in California as the parts were easy and “attractive targets for thieves.” In addition, as described in the committee analysis of the legislation, the National Insurance Crime Bureau the number of reported catalytic converter thefts nationwide has increased from 1,489 in 2018 to 64,701 in 2022.
On April 11, the State Senate Transportation Committee passed Senate Bill 55 unanimously in a 15-0 vote. The bill now awaits a hearing before the Senate Public Safety Committee.
In terms of local data, Santa Rosa residents reported the following catalytic converter thefts:
2020 -- 150
2021 --368
2022 -- 143
PRIOR CITY COUNCIL REVIEW
Not applicable.
ANALYSIS
The proposed bill would assist law enforcement in catching and identifying individuals in possession of dozens, or even hundreds, of suspect catalytic converters. Unfortunately, at the current time, law enforcement investigators often have challenges to prove that a catalytic converter was stolen. This bill would remedy the situation by requiring that car dealers apply the vehicle identification number (VIN) to the catalytic converter of each vehicle listed for sale.
As of April 17, the California Police Chiefs Association supports the legislation as well as seven cities.
On January 24, 2023, the Council adopted the 2023 state legislative platform. Senate Bill 55’s proposed impacts are so specific and therefore are not covered by the platform. Per Council Policy 000-40 – Legislative Advocacy – if a policy matter is not covered by the adopted platform, then the Council would need to make a final determination to support or oppose a piece of legislation.
The Communications and Intergovernmental Relations Office coordinated with the Santa Rosa Police Department to analyze the legislation and make a recommendation to support the legislation.
FISCAL IMPACT
Not applicable.
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
This action is exempt from the provisions of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) under CEQA Guidelines Section 15061(b)(3) and 15378 in that there is no possibility that the implementation of this action may have significant effects on the environment, and no further environmental review is required.
BOARD/COMMISSION/COMMITTEE REVIEW AND RECOMMENDATIONS
Not applicable.
NOTIFICATION
Not applicable.
ATTACHMENTS
Resolution
Attachment 1 – Senate Bill 55 Fact Sheet
Attachment 2 – State Senate Transportation Committee Analysis Attachment 3 – Text of Senate Bill 55
PRESENTER
Scott Alonso, Government Affairs Officer
SUPPORT FOR SENATE BILL 55 (UMBERG)
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