u EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S MESSAGE
Sculpting Legislation for Our Industry Dealer input is critical
BY BRIAN DANSEL, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR As you have heard me talk about in these articles as well as at chapter meetings, WSIADA needs to have more of a role in developing legislation aimed at helping our industry. Such is the case with the pre-filed Senate Bill 5495, which would prohibit scrap dealers from purchasing catalytic converters except from commercial enterprises and vehicle owners. Scrap dealers who knowingly purchase or receive stolen catalytic converters would face misdemeanor charges. Similar laws are being passed in other states as catalytic converter thefts sweep the country. Senator Jeff Wilson (R-Longview), the bill’s author, said he modeled his legislation after a similar law that takes effect in Oregon next month, out of concern that it will drive thieves north of the border.
“Every man owes a portion of his time and money to that industry or business from which he derives his livelihood.” -THEODORE ROOSEVELT
Wilson’s bill, introduced for consideration during the 2022 legislative session, also requires scrap metal dealers to confirm ownership when catalytic converters are resold, and maintain records of vehicle identification numbers. Cash payments could not be made on the spot and would have to be delayed at least five days. The WSIADA Board spoke about Senate Bill 5495 at their last board meeting and decided to come out in favor of the bill. I will work with our Lobbyist to provide as timely an update as possible, but what would help us out would be to hear from you all regarding converter theft in your area. We need hard (and correct) numbers to provide both Senator Wilson’s team as well as our lobbyist so that we have a better shot at moving this bill forward. Here is a link to the bill as it currently reads: lawfilesext.leg. wa.gov/biennium/2019-20/Pdf/Bills/Senate%20Bills/5495. pdf?q=20220106141803 Please give it a read and let me know your thoughts. As always, we know the best answers come from you all who face these issues on a daily basis. Here is to a great 2022—and let’s hope for a legislative victory out of the gates. Sincerely,
Brian
4 | THE FRONT ROW | WSIADA.COM FEBRUARY 2022
EVENTS CALENDAR TITLE WORKSHOPS (Virtual Meetings)
February 16 – 9am-12pm
wsiada.com/title/February2022 March 16 – 9am-12pm wsiada.com/title/March2022
CHAPTER MEETINGS March 22 – Vancouver
6pm – 9pm, Hilton Vancouver 301 W 6th Street Vancouver 98660
March 29 – Tri-Cities
7pm – 10pm, Clover Island Inn 435 N Clover Island Drive Kennewick 99336
March 30 – Yakima
7:30am – 10am, Hilton Garden Inn 401 E Yakima Avenue Yakima 98901
April 5 – South Sound
7:30am – 10am, Griot’s Garage 3333 S 38th Street Tacoma 98409
April 12 – North Sound
7pm – 10pm, Courtyard Seattle-Kirkland 11215 NE 124th Street Kirkland 98034
April 13 – North Cascade
7:30am – 10am, Drager’s International 1645 Walton Drive Burlington 98223
April 19 – Spokane
6pm – 9pm, Hilton Garden Inn 9015 W Highway 2 Spokane 99224
ANNUAL CONVENTION June 13 – 15th
Campbell’s Resort at Lake Chelan 104 W Woodin Avenue Chelan 98816
