Omaha City Council members delayed a vote on a proposed catalytic converter ordinance until its next meeting.Council members originally planned to vote on the ordinance, which intends to deter property crime and thefts, and increase arrests related to the recent spike in thefts locally. “We are going to lay it over for one week,” council member Vinny Palermo said.The council member says officials heard complaints from salvage dealers, who make profits off the gold and platinum found within catalytic converters.Drivers like Joy Warden are eager for legal deterrents. Someone stole the catalytic converter from her car in November. She says her dealership would have a replacement part in late February, but now expects the part in June.”I have two grown daughters that have each lent their cars to me, and now I’m borrowing my parents’ car,” Warden said.At the state Capitol, legislation to deter catalytic converter thefts may not make the floor for debate.State Sen. Steve Lathrop introduced LB 994, intended to make it tougher for thieves to sell to salvage yards. A member of his office says the bill didn’t receive prioritization. LB 994 had a notice for hearing in March, according to the unicameral’s website.While drivers like Joy Warden wait for parts, some businesses like Great Plains Auto Body are also at the mercy of the supply chain.”We’re not seeing it as severely as we were about a year ago,” general manager Ricky Tran said. “But, in general, it is difficult for us to still get parts.”Tran says his shop sometimes has to wait three to four weeks for some parts, delaying his employees and drivers eager to get back on the road safely.
Omaha City Council members delayed a vote on a proposed catalytic converter ordinance until its next meeting.
Council members originally planned to vote on the ordinance, which intends to deter property crime and thefts, and increase arrests related to the recent spike in thefts locally.
“We are going to lay it over for one week,” council member Vinny Palermo said.
The council member says officials heard complaints from salvage dealers, who make profits off the gold and platinum found within catalytic converters.
Drivers like Joy Warden are eager for legal deterrents. Someone stole the catalytic converter from her car in November. She says her dealership would have a replacement part in late February, but now expects the part in June.
“I have two grown daughters that have each lent their cars to me, and now I’m borrowing my parents’ car,” Warden said.
At the state Capitol, legislation to deter catalytic converter thefts may not make the floor for debate.
State Sen. Steve Lathrop introduced LB 994, intended to make it tougher for thieves to sell to salvage yards. A member of his office says the bill didn’t receive prioritization. LB 994 had a notice for hearing in March, according to the unicameral’s website.
While drivers like Joy Warden wait for parts, some businesses like Great Plains Auto Body are also at the mercy of the supply chain.
“We’re not seeing it as severely as we were about a year ago,” general manager Ricky Tran said. “But, in general, it is difficult for us to still get parts.”
Tran says his shop sometimes has to wait three to four weeks for some parts, delaying his employees and drivers eager to get back on the road safely.
