Congress·In Committee·H.R. 5221

Congress targets catalytic converter theft with required markings, $7M stamping grants, and new federal penalties

PART Act

6 months ago·View on Congress.gov

⏸

Stalled

No legislative action in over 90 days.

Legislative Progress

House

Senate

President

Law

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.

Consumer ProtectionCriminal JusticeTransportation

Impact Analysis

Personal Impact

How this policy affects specific groups of people

Negative Impacts(2)

Criminal Record

Hurts

Cryptocurrency Investor

Hurts

Positive Impacts(2)

Small Business Owner

Helps

Gig Worker

Helps

Milestones

4 milestones6 actions

Feb 10, 2026House

Forwarded by Subcommittee to Full Committee by Voice Vote.

Feb 10, 2026House

Subcommittee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held

Sep 10, 2025House

Referred to the Subcommittee on Highways and Transit.

Sep 9, 2025House

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.

Sep 9, 2025

Introduced in House

What Happens Next

Projected impacts based on AI analysis

After grants are awarded and equipment is purchased

Grant-funded marking services become available to the public in high-need areas as recipients begin offering stamping.

Drivers in places with high theft rates may be able to get their converter marked (VIN or tied part number) and painted, potentially lowering the chance of theft and helping recovery.

As soon as the law takes effect

New federal crimes/penalties for catalytic-converter theft and trafficking become available for prosecutors to use.

People involved in stealing or knowingly trafficking stolen converters face higher risk of federal charges and up to 5 years in prison.

Related News

4 articles

MOTOR·4 months ago

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.

Automotive Service Association (ASA)·7 months ago

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.

National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA)·6 months ago

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.