PART Act
Congress targets catalytic converter theft with required markings, $7M stamping grants, and new federal penalties
Stalled
No legislative action in over 90 days.
Legislative Progress
Key Points
- Requires the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to update theft-prevention rules so new vehicles have catalytic converters marked with an identifying number.
- Sets up a Transportation Department grant program to help police, repair shops, dealers, fleets, and nonprofits stamp and paint catalytic converters to deter theft, using $7 million.
- Makes recyclers and repair businesses keep seller info (including photo ID and vehicle details) for at least 2 years when buying parts that contain precious metals.
- Bans selling or buying catalytic converters if the ID markings were removed or tampered with, aiming to make stolen parts harder to resell.
- Creates new federal crimes for stealing catalytic converters or knowingly trafficking stolen ones, with penalties up to 5 years in prison.
Impact Analysis
Personal Impact
How this policy affects specific groups of people
Milestones
Forwarded by Subcommittee to Full Committee by Voice Vote.
Subcommittee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
Referred to the Subcommittee on Highways and Transit.
Sent to a congressional committee for expert review. The committee decides whether this bill moves forward.
Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committees on Transportation and Infrastructure, and the Judiciary, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
Sent to a congressional committee for expert review. The committee decides whether this bill moves forward.
Introduced in House
The bill was officially filed and given a number. It now enters the legislative queue.
Votes
No votes have been recorded for this legislation yet.
Related News
4 articles
ASA Urges Support for PART Act to Curb Converter Thefts
Automotive Service Association urges support for the PART Act, highlighting VIN/ID stamping for new vehicles, a $7M grant program for stamping used vehicles’ converters, added recordkeeping, and new federal penalties for theft/trafficking.
Federal Bill would Open Opportunities for Auto Repairers to Help Tackle Catalytic Converter Theft
Trade association summary of S.2238 (PART Act): VIN/ID marking for new catalytic converters, grant funding to support stamping, and other anti-theft/anti-trafficking provisions tied to converter theft deterrence.
NADA Supports Federal Legislation to Combat Widespread Catalytic Converter Thefts
NADA statement supporting the PART Act (H.R.5221/S.2238), emphasizing traceable identification markings on converters and federal action to curb thefts affecting vehicle owners and businesses.
Source Information
Document Type
Congressional Bill
Official Title
PART Act
Data Sources
Sponsor
Cosponsors
(62)Analysis generated by AI. Always verify with official sources.