[Congressional Bills 119th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[S. 2238 Introduced in Senate (IS)]
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119th CONGRESS
1st Session
S. 2238
To prevent the theft of catalytic converters and other precious metal
car parts, and for other purposes.
_______________________________________________________________________
IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES
July 10, 2025
Ms. Klobuchar (for herself and Mr. Moreno) introduced the following
bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce,
Science, and Transportation
_______________________________________________________________________
A BILL
To prevent the theft of catalytic converters and other precious metal
car parts, and for other purposes.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the
United States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Preventing Auto Recycling Theft
Act'' or the ``PART Act''.
SEC. 2. DEFINITION OF CATALYTIC CONVERTER.
In this Act, the term ``catalytic converter'' means any of the
following:
(1) Any device installed in the exhaust system of an
internal combustion engine that utilizes catalytic action to
oxidize hydrocarbon (HC) and carbon monoxide (CO) emissions to
carbon dioxide (CO<INF>2</INF>) and water (H<INF>2</INF>O).
(2) A diesel oxidation catalyst.
(3) A diesel particulate filter.
SEC. 3. REQUIREMENTS FOR NEW MOTOR VEHICLE REGULATIONS RELATING TO
CATALYTIC CONVERTERS.
(a) In General.--Not later than 180 days after the date of
enactment of this Act, the Administrator of the National Highway
Traffic Safety Administration (referred to in this section as the
``Administrator'') shall--
(1) issue a notice of proposed rulemaking to revise the
motor vehicle theft prevention standard contained in section
541.5 of title 49, Code of Federal Regulations (or a successor
regulation), to include catalytic converters among the parts
specified in subsection (a) of that section;
(2) issue a notice of proposed rulemaking to revise part
543 of title 49, Code of Federal Regulations (or successor
regulations), to require that, notwithstanding the granting of
a petition under that part, all catalytic converters be marked
in accordance with section 541.5 of that title (as revised
pursuant to paragraph (1)); and
(3) update other regulations, as necessary, to ensure that,
with respect to catalytic converters, the requirements of
section 541.5 and part 543 of title 49, Code of Federal
Regulations (as revised in accordance with paragraphs (1) and
(2), respectively), apply to any vehicle covered by part 565 of
that title (or successor regulations).
(b) Application.--Notwithstanding any provision of chapter 331 of
title 49, United States Code, in the case of a vehicle described in
section 565.2 of title 49, Code of Federal Regulations (or a successor
regulation), that has not been sold to the first purchaser (as defined
in section 33101 of title 49, United States Code), the requirements
added to section 541.5 of title 49, Code of Federal Regulations (or a
successor regulation), by the Administrator in accordance with
paragraph (1) of subsection (a) shall apply to the vehicle beginning on
the date that is 180 days after the date on which the Administrator
makes the revisions and updates required by that subsection, regardless
of the model year of the vehicle or the date on which the vehicle is
manufactured.
(c) Definition of Catalytic Converter.--Section 33101 of title 49,
United States Code, is amended--
(1) in each of paragraphs (1) through (11)--
(A) by inserting ``The term'' after the paragraph
designation; and
(B) by adding a paragraph heading the text of which
comprises the term defined in the paragraph;
(2) by redesignating paragraphs (1) through (11) as
paragraphs (2) through (12), respectively; and
(3) in the matter preceding paragraph (2) (as so
redesignated), by striking ``chapter--'' and inserting the
following: ``chapter:
``(1) Catalytic converter.--The term `catalytic converter'
means any of the following:
``(A) Any device installed in the exhaust system of
an internal combustion engine that utilizes catalytic
action to oxidize hydrocarbon (HC) and carbon monoxide
(CO) emissions to carbon dioxide (CO<INF>2</INF>) and
water (H<INF>2</INF>O).
``(B) A diesel oxidation catalyst.
``(C) A diesel particulate filter.''.
(d) Marking of Catalytic Converters Notwithstanding an Exemption.--
Section 33106 of title 49, United States Code, is amended--
(1) in subsection (c)--
(A) in paragraph (2), by striking ``and'' at the
end;
(B) by redesignating paragraph (3) as paragraph
(4); and
(C) by inserting after paragraph (2) the following:
``(3) a certification that the catalytic converter will be
marked in accordance with sections 33101 through 33104,
including associated regulations; and''; and
(2) by adding at the end the following:
``(f) Requirements for Marking Catalytic Converters.--
``(1) In general.--The Administrator of the National
Highway Traffic Safety Administration shall promulgate
regulations requiring catalytic converters on a vehicle line to
be marked in accordance with sections 33101 through 33104,
including associated regulations.
``(2) Unique part identification numbers.--In promulgating
regulations under paragraph (1), the Administrator of the
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration shall allow for
a marking described in that paragraph to include a unique part
identification number (as defined in section 33111(b)(1)) that
is included in a database that is accessible by law
enforcement.''.
SEC. 4. GRANT PROGRAM FOR VIN STAMPING.
(a) Definitions.--In this section:
(1) Covered activity.--
(A) In general.--The term ``covered activity'',
with respect to a motor vehicle, means die or pin
stamping of an identification number described in
subparagraph (B) on the outside of the catalytic
converter in a conspicuous manner.
(B) Identification number described.--An
identification number referred to in subparagraph (A)
is--
(i) the full vehicle identification number
of the motor vehicle in which the catalytic
converter was originally installed; or
(ii) a unique part identification number
that is included in a database that--
(I) is accessible by law
enforcement; and
(II) allows for the retrieval of
the full vehicle identification number
of the motor vehicle in which the
catalytic converter was originally
installed based on that part
identification number.
(C) Stamping.--For purposes of subparagraph (A),
the term ``stamping'' means stamping--
(i) in a typed (not handwritten) font; and
(ii) covered through the application of a
coat of high-visibility, high-heat theft
deterrence paint.
(2) Eligible entity.--The term ``eligible entity'' means--
(A) a law enforcement agency;
(B) an automobile dealer;
(C) an owner or lessee of a centrally maintained
vehicle fleet;
(D) an automobile repair shop and service center;
and
(E) a nonprofit organization.
(3) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary
of Transportation.
(b) Establishment.--Not later than 180 days after the date of
enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall establish a program to
provide grants to eligible entities to carry out covered activities
(excluding wages) relating to catalytic converters.
(c) Application.--To be eligible to receive a grant under this
section, an eligible entity shall submit to the Secretary an
application at such time, in such manner, and containing such
information as the Secretary may require.
(d) Requirement.--A covered activity carried out with a grant
awarded under this section shall be carried out at no cost to the owner
of--
(1) the motor vehicle being stamped; or
(2) any motor vehicle otherwise receiving service from an
eligible entity.
(e) Priority.--In awarding grants under this section, the Secretary
shall give priority to--
(1) eligible entities operating in areas with the highest
need for covered activities, including the areas with the
highest rates of catalytic converter theft, as determined by
the Secretary; and
(2) eligible entities that are in possession of motor
vehicles that are subject to the requirement described in
section 3(b).
(f) Procedures for Marking.--In carrying out the grant program
under this section, the Secretary shall issue such regulations as are
necessary to establish procedures to mark catalytic converters of
vehicles most likely to be targeted for theft with unique
identification numbers using a combination of die or pin stamping and
high-visibility, high-heat theft deterrence paint without damaging the
function of the catalytic converter.
(g) Annual Report.--Not later than 1 year after the date of
enactment of this Act, and annually thereafter for 10 years, the
Secretary shall submit to Congress a report on the grant program
established under subsection (b) that includes a description of the
progress, results, and any findings of the grant program, including--
(1) the total number of catalytic converters marked under
the grant program; and
(2)(A) to the extent known, whether any catalytic
converters marked under the grant program were stolen; and
(B) the outcome of any criminal investigation relating to
those thefts.
(h) Funding.--
(1) Unobligated funding available.--Of the unobligated
amounts appropriated by the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021
(Public Law 117-2; 135 Stat. 4), $7,000,000 shall be made
available to carry out this section.
(2) Authorization of appropriations.--In the event that the
total of $7,000,000 of the funds described in paragraph (1) may
not be made available to carry out this section, there is
authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section an
amount equal to the remaining funding necessary to total
$7,000,000.
SEC. 5. REQUIREMENTS FOR PURCHASE OF CATALYTIC CONVERTERS AND RETENTION
OF SELLER INFORMATION.
(a) Inclusion of Catalytic Converters.--Section 33101(7) of title
49, United States Code (as redesignated by section 3(c)), is amended--
(1) in subparagraph (K), by striking ``and'' after the
semicolon at the end;
(2) by redesignating subparagraph (L) as subparagraph (M);
(3) by inserting after subparagraph (K) the following:
``(L) the catalytic converter; and''; and
(4) in subparagraph (M) (as so redesignated), by striking
``subclauses (A)-(K) of this clause'' and inserting
``subparagraphs (A) through (L) of this paragraph''.
(b) Retention of Records.--Section 33111 of the title 49, United
States Code, is amended--
(1) in subsection (a), in the subsection heading, by
striking ``General Requirements'' and inserting ``Prohibitions
Related to Selling Motor Vehicle Parts'';
(2) by redesignating subsections (b) and (c) as subsections
(c) and (d), respectively; and
(3) by inserting after subsection (a) the following:
``(b) Retention of Records.--
``(1) Definitions.--In this subsection:
``(A) Precious metals.--The term `precious metals'
has the meaning given the term in section 109-27.5101
of title 41, Code of Federal Regulations (or a
successor regulation).
``(B) Unique part identification number.--The term
`unique part identification number', with respect to a
motor vehicle part, means a unique part identification
number that--
``(i) is marked, etched, or engraved on the
motor vehicle part; and
``(ii) is tied directly to the vehicle
identification number of the vehicle on which
the part was originally installed.
``(2) Requirement.--A seller of motor vehicle parts that
contain precious metals, including a person engaged in the
business of salvaging, dismantling, recycling, or repairing
motor vehicle parts that contain precious metals, shall provide
to a purchaser on the sale of the motor vehicle part--
``(A) the name, address, telephone number, and a
photocopy of a government-issued identification of the
seller; and
``(B) the vehicle identification number of the
motor vehicle on which the motor vehicle part was
originally installed or the unique part identification
number.
``(3) Duration of retention.--A person shall retain the
information described in paragraph (2) for a period of not less
than 2 years.''.
(c) Prohibition on Sale of Certain Catalytic Converters.--It shall
be unlawful to sell or purchase any catalytic converter which has had
identifying markings removed or otherwise tampered with.
(d) Traceable Forms of Payment.--
(1) In general.--Any sale or purchase of a catalytic
converter shall be made with a traceable form of payment, such
as a check or a wire transfer.
(2) Prohibition.--It shall be unlawful to sell or purchase
a catalytic converter for cash or a digital asset.
(e) Regulations.--The Attorney General shall prescribe regulations
to carry out this section and the amendments made by this section,
including the enforcement and penalties that apply to a violation of
this section and the amendments made by this section.
SEC. 6. CRIMINAL PENALTIES.
(a) Theft of Catalytic Converters.--Chapter 31 of title 18, United
States Code, is amended--
(1) by adding at the end the following:
``Sec. 671. Theft of catalytic converters
``(a) Definitions.--In this section:
``(1) Catalytic converter.--The term `catalytic converter'
means any of the following:
``(A) Any device installed in the exhaust system of
an internal combustion engine that utilizes catalytic
action to oxidize hydrocarbon (HC) and carbon monoxide
(CO) emissions to carbon dioxide (CO<INF>2</INF>) and
water (H<INF>2</INF>O).
``(B) A diesel oxidation catalyst.
``(C) A diesel particulate filter.
``(2) Precious metals.--The term `precious metals' has the
meaning given the term in section 109-27.5101 of title 41, Code
of Federal Regulations, or any successor regulation.
``(b) Offense.--It shall be unlawful to steal or knowingly and
unlawfully take, carry away, or conceal a catalytic converter from
another person's motor vehicle, or knowingly purchase such a catalytic
converter, with the intent to distribute, sell, or dispose of the
catalytic converter or any precious metal removed therefrom in
interstate or foreign commerce.
``(c) Penalty.--
``(1) In general.--Any person who violates subsection (b)
shall be fined under this title, imprisoned not more than 5
years, or both.
``(2) Concurrent sentences.--Any term of imprisonment
imposed on a person under paragraph (1) shall run concurrently
with any other term of imprisonment imposed on the person at
the same time for an offense arising out of the same
conduct.''; and
(2) in the table of sections, by adding at the end the
following:
``671. Theft of catalytic converters.''.
(b) Definitions.--Section 2311 of title 18, United States Code, is
amended by inserting after ``for running on land but not on rails;''
the following:
```Precious metals' has the meaning given the term in section 109-
27.5101 of title 41, Code of Federal Regulations, or any successor
regulation;''.
(c) Trafficking in Car Parts Containing Precious Metals.--Section
2321 of title 18, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end
the following:
``(d) Trafficking in Motor Vehicle Parts Containing Precious
Metals.--
``(1) Definition of catalytic converter.--In this
subsection, the term `catalytic converter' means any of the
following:
``(A) Any device installed in the exhaust system of
an internal combustion engine that utilizes catalytic
action to oxidize hydrocarbon (HC) and carbon monoxide
(CO) emissions to carbon dioxide (CO<INF>2</INF>) and
water (H<INF>2</INF>O).
``(B) A diesel oxidation catalyst.
``(C) A diesel particulate filter.
``(2) Offense.--It shall be unlawful to buy, receive,
possess, or obtain control of, with intent to sell or otherwise
dispose of, a catalytic converter, knowing that the catalytic
converter has been stolen.
``(3) Penalty.--
``(A) In general.--Subject to subparagraph (B), any
person who violates paragraph (2) shall be fined under
this title, imprisoned not more than 5 years, or both.
``(B) Concurrent sentences.--Any term of
imprisonment imposed on a person under subparagraph (A)
shall run concurrently with any other term of
imprisonment imposed on the person at the same time for
an offense arising out of the same conduct.''.
(d) Chop Shops.--Section 2322(b) of title 18, United States Code,
is amended to read as follows:
``(b) Definition.--For purposes of this section, the term `chop
shop' means any building, lot, facility, or other structure or premise
where 1 or more persons engage in receiving, concealing, destroying,
disassembling, dismantling, reassembling, or storing any motor vehicle
or motor vehicle part that has been unlawfully obtained in order to
alter, counterfeit, deface, destroy, disguise, falsify, forge,
obliterate, extract any precious metal therefrom, or remove the
identity, including the vehicle identification number or derivative
thereof, or other identification marking, of the vehicle or vehicle
part and to distribute, sell, or dispose of the vehicle or vehicle
part, or precious metal extracted from the vehicle or vehicle part, in
interstate or foreign commerce.''.
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