The Orange County Board of Supervisors voted on February 24, 4-1, to pass the second reading of Vice Chair Katrina Foley’s countywide ordinance targeting catalytic converter theft. The measure closes a gap in state law by making it unlawful in unincorporated Orange County to possess even one detached catalytic converter without documented proof of lawful ownership.

“Hardworking families should not have to cover the rising costs of car ownership and the price of theft,” said Vice Chair Katrina Foley. “By closing the loopholes ignored by Sacramento, the County of Orange gives law enforcement clear, practical tools to hold offenders accountable, deter repeat theft, and better protect Orange County drivers, small businesses, and our neighborhoods.”

Under current California law (AB 461), law enforcement officers often must prove a converter was stolen or wait until an individual possesses nine or more stolen converters before taking enforcement action. This limitation restricts proactive enforcement.

The County ordinance strengthens enforcement authority by:

• Making it unlawful for any person in unincorporated Orange County to possess ONE detached catalytic converter without documented proof of lawful ownership (state law requires nine or more stolen converters in order to be charged or fined).
• Shifting the burden to the possessor to demonstrate lawful ownership, allowing officers to presume unlawful possession in the absence of documentation.
• Treating each unlawfully possessed converter as a separate violation.
• Authorizing misdemeanor or infraction charges, as well as civil penalties and restitution.

In contrast, state law generally requires proof that a converter was stolen or that a person knowingly engaged in an illegal sale, while also treating unlawful possession as a group of items rather than individual violations.

The Orange County Sheriff’s Department (OCSD) reported152 reported catalytic converter thefts in 2024 and 99 reported thefts in 2025 to date within OCSD jurisdiction, which includes 13 contract cities and unincorporated areas.

“The Orange County Sheriff’s Department and our municipal partners have worked diligently to stop catalytic converter theft. The ordinance approved by the Board of Supervisors provides an additional tool to help further reduce this crime and lessen the financial strain it has placed on the residents of our communities,” said Don Barnes, Orange County Sheriff-Coroner.

Orange County District Attorney Todd Spitzer also expressed support for the ordinance in a letter addressed to the Board of Supervisors ahead of the February 10 first reading. See attached letter.

Learn more about the Catalytic Converter ordinance here. To inquire about Vice Chair Foley’s media availability, please contact Latisha Townsend at (714) 559-8364.