Drafter
Clerk 03/03/2022
Title
AN ORDINANCE relating to records requirements for the sale of a catalytic converter; amending Ordinance 1888, Article IV, Section 1, and K.C.C. 6.36.160 and adding a new section to K.C.C. chapter 6.36.
Body
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF KING COUNTY:
SECTION 1. Findings:
A. A catalytic converter is an exhaust emission control device that alters the harmful substances in a vehicle's exhaust gasses, such as carbon monoxide, nitric oxide, nitrogen dioxide and hydrocarbons, into less-harmful substances like carbon dioxide and water vapor by means of chemical reactions.
B. A catalytic converter is made up of precious metals, such as palladium, rhodium and platinum, which contribute to their economic value.
C. During January 2020 through December 2021, there have been more than four hundred sixty reported catalytic converter thefts in King County and more than three thousand nine hundred statewide.
D. On January 10, 2022, the Washington state Legislature initiated the first reading of House Bill 1815, prohibiting scrap metal businesses from purchasing or receiving catalytic converters from any individual other than a commercial enterprise or registered vehicle owner, and amending RCW 19.290.020, 19.290.030 and 19.290.070. During the course of the 2022 regular session of the Washington state Legislature, the bill has been amended and is currently referred to as Engrossed Second Substitute House Bill 1815.
E. Until Engrossed Second Substitute House Bill 1815 or similar legislation becomes law, there is a need to prohibit junk dealers in King County from purchasing or receiving catalytic converters from any individual other than a commercial enterprise or registered vehicle owner.
NEW SECTION. SECTION 2. There is hereby added to K.C.C. chapter 6.36 a new section to read as follows:
A. For every transaction involving a catalytic converter, in addition to the records requirements in K.C.C. 6.36.080, the junk shop must c...

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