Federal Bill would Open Opportunities for Auto Repairers to Help Tackle Catalytic Converter Theft

United States Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Bernie Moreno (R-OH) introduced legislation that would make it possible for automotive repairers to receive compensation from the federal government for helping them confront catalytic converter theft.

S. 2238, also known as the "PART (Preventing Auto Recycling Theft) Act," aims to tackle catalytic converter theft in several ways. Critically, it would require that all catalytic converters installed in new vehicles have its vehicle's VIN affixed or inscribed on it. Another provision in the bill would create a grant program that pays certain eligible entities to die or pin stamp the VIN on the outside of the catalytic converter. Only an automobile repair shop and service center; a law enforcement agency; an auto dealer; an owner or lessee of a centrally maintained vehicle fleet; or a nonprofit organization would qualify as an eligible entity. They would have to provide this stamping service to customers at no cost for such service paid for by the grant program. Furthermore, the entity couldn't use the grant funding to cover wages.

The PART Act would obligate $7 million of the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021's unobligated funds toward the grant program. If insufficient funds are available from the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 to pay for the grant in its entirety, the bill would appropriate new funding sufficient to cover the remainder of the cost.

If this bill becomes law, the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) would have to create a grant application process within 180 days after becoming law. The DOT would have to prioritize applicants who operate in areas with the highest need for catalytic converter stamping, including those with the highest rates of catalytic converter theft.