PITTSBURGH — A bill working its way through the Missouri Senate would add catalytic converters to the state’s list of regulated materials.

Missouri already regulates the sale of aluminum wire, copper, brass and bronze. Recyclers are prohibited from paying more than $50 in cash for such materials and must keep written or electronic records of those sales for two years.

Catalytic converters—automobile parts that can sell for much more than $50—are coveted by thieves because they contain platinum.

The measure, S.B.102, was sponsored by state Sen. Will Kraus (R., District 8). It has had its second reading and was referred to the state’s Commerce, Consumer Protection, Energy and the Environment Committee late last week.