NIADA Praises Senators for Reintroducing “Preventing Auto Recycling Theft” Act

The National Independent Automobile Dealers Association (NIADA) commends Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Senator Mike Braun (R-IN), for reintroducing the “Preventing Auto Recycling Theft Act (PART).”

The legislation aims to combat the issue of nationwide catalytic convertor thefts. We also applaud their staffs for working across the aisle to ensure this legislation is supported by both Republicans and Democrats.

This legislation is the Senate companion to HR 621 introduced by Congressman Jim Baird (R-IN-4) Jan. 31. The PART Act provides a national framework to help law enforcement combat catalytic converter theft, requiring new vehicles to have unique, traceable identifying numbers stamped on catalytic converters during assembly. It also establishes a federal criminal penalty for the theft, sale, trafficking or known purchase of stolen catalytic converters of up to five years in jail.

“Catalytic converter theft is a serious crime that comes at a serious cost to Hoosier drivers. We need to take action to hold those committing this crime accountable and to take steps to make it harder to get away with catalytic converter theft,” said Senator Braun.

“Catalytic convertor theft is a major issue for NIADA members, and we have long waited for congressional action. Senator Klobuchar’s ‘Preventing Auto Recycling Theft Act’ comes as a welcome step in the process started by Congressman Baird to combat catalytic convertor theft.”

Melanie Wilson, Interim CEO of NIADA

“Catalytic convertor theft is a major issue for NIADA members, and we have long waited for congressional action. Senator Klobuchar’s ‘Preventing Auto Recycling Theft Act’ comes as a welcome step in the process started by Congressman Baird to combat catalytic convertor theft,” said Melanie Wilson, Interim CEO of NIADA. “We look forward to engaging with Senator Klobuchar and other Senators to ensure that this critical legislation is passed and reaches President Biden’s desk.”

Catalytic converters are being stolen at increasingly higher rates, because they contain valuable metals, such as rhodium, platinum and palladium. According to the National Insurance Crime Bureau, catalytic converter thefts reported in insurance claims increased sharply from 2019 to 2022. Some cities have reporting the thefts tripling in the past year.

NIADA will continue to work with Klobuchar’s and Baird’s offices to educate their colleagues on the importance of these bills.