May 18, 2022—The National Independent Automobile Dealers Association has led a partnership with automotive and transportation industry associations through drafting a letter to Congress that supports H.R. 6394, also known as the Preventing Auto Recycling Theft (PART) Act.
According to a press release, the PART Act is a bill that aims to combat catalytic converter theft.
The bill was introduced by Rep. Jim Baird (R-Ind.). The PART Act would require that new vehicles have traceable ID numbers stamped onto their catalytic converters at the time of assembly.
Additionally, the bill would create a grant program to stamp VINs onto the catalytic converters in existing vehicles. The grant would also promote improvement in record-keeping standards for those who purchase catalytic converters.
Under the PARTS Act, any theft, sale, trafficking, or known purchase of a stolen catalytic converter would be a federal crime, potentially punishable by five years in prison.
Thirteen organizations have signed the letter of support, including the National Automobile Dealers Association, American Car Rental Association, American Truck Dealers, American Trucking Associations, National RV Dealers Association, and more.
The letter highlights that catalytic converter thefts have gone up 325 percent in 2020, according to data from the National Insurance Crime Bureau. The letter also writes that replacements can cost as much as $2,500.
The letter was sent to Rep. Frank Pallone (D-N.J.), House Energy and Commerce Committee chairman, and Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-Wash.) on May 16.
“Congress must pass H.R. 6394,” NIADA CEO Robert Voltmann said in the press release. “It is a critical piece of legislation to combat catalytic converter theft."
