This bill tackles the growing problem of catalytic converter theft by making it easier to identify stolen parts and harder for thieves to sell them. Catalytic converters are valuable because they contain precious metals like platinum and palladium, which is why they're frequently stolen from cars.

The bill works in two main ways. First, it requires that all new cars have identification numbers stamped or attached to their catalytic converters, similar to how cars already have VIN numbers. For cars already on the road, the bill creates a grant program to help police departments and other organizations stamp identification numbers onto existing catalytic converters for free. Second, the bill requires anyone buying catalytic converters or other precious metal car parts to keep records of who they're buying from, making it much harder for thieves to anonymously sell stolen parts to scrap dealers or recyclers.

The bill also creates serious criminal penalties for stealing catalytic converters or removing precious metals from vehicles. This affects car owners by potentially reducing theft from their vehicles, and it affects scrap dealers and recyclers by requiring them to keep better records and verify that parts are legitimately owned before purchasing them.

PART Act

Klobuchar, Amy

Preventing Auto Recycling Theft Act or the PART Act This bill establishes requirements for motor vehicles related to catalytic converters and other motor vehicle parts that contain precious metals. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration must revise the motor vehicle theft prevention standard for new motor vehicles to include catalytic converters among the parts that require an inscribed or affixed identifying number. Additionally, the Department of Transportation must establish a grant program through which law enforcement agencies and other entities can stamp vehicle identification numbers onto catalytic converters of existing vehicles. The bill establishes retention requirements for the purchase of motor vehicle parts that contain precious metals. It also sets forth criminal penalties for the theft of catalytic converters or any precious metals removed from a vehicle.