ANNAPOLIS, MD—There will now be a paper trail for detectives to follow when investigating catalytic converter thefts in Maryland.

On Thursday, Governor Wes Moore signed into law HB871 – a measure introduced by Delegate Carl Jackson.

The law requires a form of recordkeeping by licensed businesses such as automotive dismantlers, scrap metal processors, or junk dealers.

During the session, Baltimore County Police Chief Robert McCullough testified in favor of the legislation.  Baltimore County Police Department detectives were also on-hand to provide first-hand knowledge about the criminal activity.

Supporters of the bill say the measure should help to address catalytic converter thefts, while detractors say the new law will do nothing to discourage thefts or punish catalytic converter thieves.

Photo via the Baltimore County Police Department