THE HOUSE AND SENATE: There were no roll calls in the House or Senate last week.
THEFT OF CATALYTIC CONVERTERS (H 4722) — The House approved and sent to the Senate a bill that would create a “chain of custody” for used catalytic converter sales. A catalytic converter is a device that converts the environmentally hazardous exhaust emitted by a vehicle’s engine into less harmful gasses. The measure requires the buyer to keep records of each converter purchased, from which vehicle it was removed from, and who the seller was. These records would be made available upon request to law enforcement.
Supporters explained that several communities have seen a rise in catalytic converter thefts because the converters use platinum, palladium or rhodium to operate. According to the National Insurance Crime Bureau, the values of these precious metals contained inside catalytic converters have skyrocketed and is staggering. As of March 2022, rhodium is valued at $20,000 per ounce; palladium at $2,938 per ounce; and platinum at $1,128 per ounce.
The Cavallo and Signoriello Insurance Agency in Massachusetts’ website says that an ounce of palladium is now worth more than an ounce of gold. Rhodium, meanwhile, is currently worth six times the price of gold, more than $10,000 per ounce. For thieves, this means a catalytic converter might be a better score than the average wedding band or gold watch.
“Many scrapyards and black-market buyers have an open call out for catalytic converters, which they turn around and sell to metal recyclers,” continues the website. “Ten years ago, a thief could earn between $20 and $200 per stolen converter. Today, thanks to the spike in the value of these metals, that range is more like $300 to $850, for just a few minutes of work.”
“I am very pleased that this bill has moved forward out of the House,” said sponsor Rep. Steve Howitt (R-Seekonk). “Catalytic converter theft is epidemic. Hopefully this legislation will assist in stemming the tide of these thefts and assist law enforcement in apprehending these criminals preying on our citizens.”
RARE DISEASE DAY (H 3101) — The House approved and sent to the Senate a bill designating the last day of February as rare disease day in Massachusetts in order to “increase public awareness of rare diseases which affect millions of Americans resulting in special challenges encountered by patients and their families as well as the impact upon medical professionals, researchers, educators and others who serve the rare disease community.”
Supporters said the legislation will call attention to the public health issues associated with rare diseases. They noted that research can lead to an increased understanding of diseases, the development of innovative treatments and in some cases, a cure. Patients and families living with rare diseases face many challenges such as finding accessible medical care and affordable treatments.
“I filed this bill in support of constituents in my district and all people who are currently suffering with a rare disease,” said sponsor Rep. Brian Ashe (D-Longmeadow). “Raising public awareness is critical to increasing funding for research, providing patients with additional resources, and hopefully resulting in a cure. I am thrilled this legislation has been engrossed by the House and I am hopeful the Senate will do the same and the governor will sign it into law.”
DESIGNATING JULY 8 AS MASSACHUSETTS EMANCIPATION DAY (H 3117) — The Senate approved a measure, sponsored by Rep. Michelle Ciccolo (D-Lexington), designating July 8 as Massachusetts Emancipation Day also to be known as Quock Walker Day, in recognition of the court ruling that rendered slavery unconstitutional in the commonwealth. Walker, born to enslaved Black parents in Massachusetts, was the driving force behind this ruling.
Supporters explained that Walker, who was born to enslaved Black parents in the Bay State, self-emancipated at 28 years old. When his former enslaver found him, Walker sued for his freedom, and on July 8th, the Massachusetts Supreme Court found that Walker was a free man. This critical decision served as the precedent that ended slavery in the state on constitutional grounds and led to Massachusetts becoming the first state in the nation to abolish slavery.
“The inspiration for this bill comes from Sean Osborn, a Lexington resident and historian who founded the Association of Black Citizens of Lexington,” said Rep. Ciccolo. “I am looking forward to annually commemorating Quock Walker’s significant place in our state’s history.”
The House has already approved the bill. Only final House and Senate action are required prior to the proposal going the Gov. Baker.
QUOTABLE QUOTES – By the Numbers Edition
#1.
From research by WeWin.com, a personal injury law firm in Louisville, Kentucky declaring Massachusetts as the safest state in which to drive.
29
The Number of applications the Massachusetts Gaming Commission received for sports wagering licenses by the deadline of October 17.
$3,601,569.28. from winners at Bay State casinos and slot parlors to pay for unpaid child support and back taxes.
28
The number of the state’s 50 most prominent boards and commissions that are chaired by women, according to Foundation’s Women’s Power Gap Initiative which says this is the first time this has occurred.
Bob Katzen welcomes feedback at bob@beaconhillrollcall.com Bob founded Beacon Hill Roll Call in 1975 and was inducted into the New England Newspaper and Press Association (NENPA) Hall of Fame in 2019.