What does Preamble of PART Act do?

This bill aims to prevent the theft of catalytic converters and other precious metal car parts The bill was introduced to the House of Representatives It was referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce and other committees

What does SHORT TITLE. of PART Act do?

This Act is formally titled the Preventing Auto Recycling Theft Act.

What does CATALYTIC CONVERTER DEFINED. of PART Act do?

This section defines the term 'catalytic converter'. The definition includes devices that oxidize hydrocarbon and carbon monoxide emissions. It also includes diesel oxidation catalysts and diesel particulate filters.

What does REQUIREMENTS FOR NEW MOTOR VEHICLES RELATING TO CATALYTIC of PART Act do?

This section requires the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to revise motor vehicle theft prevention standards to include catalytic converters. The revision must apply to vehicles covered by part 565 of title 49, Code of Federal Regulations. Requirements added by the revision will apply to vehicles not yet sold to the first purchaser six months after NHTSA makes the revision. The law amends section 33101 of title 49, United States Code, to add a definition of 'catalytic converter' encompassing various devices. Catalytic converters must be marked in accordance with sections 33101 through 33104, including a certification. NHTSA is directed to promulgate regulations requiring conspicuous marking of catalytic converters, potentially including a unique part identification number accessible by law enforcement.

What does GRANT PROGRAM FOR VIN STAMPING. of PART Act do?

This section establishes a grant program for VIN stamping on catalytic converters. The Secretary of Transportation must establish the program within 180 days of enactment. Eligible entities include law enforcement agencies, automobile dealers, and nonprofit organizations. Grant funds can be used for equipment and materials for die or pin stamping of vehicle identification numbers. The Secretary must prioritize areas with high rates of catalytic converter theft and entities with vehicles subject to section 3(b). The program includes procedures for marking catalytic converters with unique identification numbers. The Secretary must submit annual reports to Congress on the program's progress and results. The program is funded with $7,000,000 from unobligated balances of the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021.

What does REQUIREMENTS FOR PURCHASE OF CATALYTIC CONVERTERS AND RETENTION of PART Act do?

This section amends Title 49 of the United States Code regarding the purchase of catalytic converters and retention of seller information. It modifies existing provisions related to the listing of catalytic converters as parts in salvage operations. Businesses involved in salvaging, dismantling, recycling, or repairing motor vehicles or parts containing precious metals must retain records of sellers. Required records include the seller's name, address, phone number, a copy of government-issued identification, and information about the vehicle the part came from (make, model, VIN or unique part ID, and date of purchase). These records must be retained for at least two years. The definition of 'precious metals' references section 109-27.5101 of Title 41, Code of Federal Regulations. It is unlawful to sell or purchase catalytic converters with identifying markings removed or altered. Sales and purchases of catalytic converters must be made with traceable forms of payment like checks or wire transfers; cash and cryptocurrency are prohibited. The Attorney General is tasked with prescribing regulations to enforce this section, including penalties for violations.

What does CRIMINAL PENALTIES. of PART Act do?

This section amends Chapter 31 of title 18, United States Code, to establish criminal penalties related to the theft and trafficking of catalytic converters and related parts. It defines 'catalytic converter' to include devices utilizing catalytic action and diesel oxidation catalysts. It establishes an offense of stealing or knowingly taking a catalytic converter, or purchasing it with the intent to distribute or sell it. The penalty for violating this offense is a fine, imprisonment for up to 5 years, or both. Section 2311 of title 18 is amended to include the definition of 'precious metals'. Section 2321 of title 18 is amended to prohibit buying, receiving, possessing, or obtaining control of a stolen catalytic converter with intent to sell or dispose of it, with a penalty of up to 5 years imprisonment. Section 2322(b) of title 18 is amended to define 'chop shop' as a location where unlawfully obtained motor vehicles or parts are altered or disassembled, including extraction of precious metals.

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PART Act

Last updated: 2/10/2026 · Introduced: 9/9/2025

Author: James Baird (R-IN)

TL;DR (AI)

The bill requires the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to update motor vehicle theft prevention standards to include catalytic converters, mandating their marking with a certification and potentially a unique identification number.
It establishes a $7 million grant program to help law enforcement agencies, dealers, and nonprofits stamp catalytic converters with vehicle identification numbers, prioritizing areas with high theft rates.
The bill imposes stricter regulations on the purchase and sale of catalytic converters, requiring detailed seller records, prohibiting cash and cryptocurrency transactions, and establishing criminal penalties for theft and trafficking.

119th Congressin committeeOfficial page

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Includes provisions on preamble, short title., and 5 more.

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