Preventing Auto Recycling Theft Act; PART Act
Summary
The Preventing Auto Recycling Theft Act (PART Act) aims to reduce catalytic converter theft by requiring new motor vehicles to have catalytic converters marked with identifying numbers, establishing a grant program for VIN stamping, setting requirements for the purchase of catalytic converters and retention of seller information, and establishing criminal penalties for theft and trafficking of stolen catalytic converters. The Act defines 'catalytic converter' and 'precious metals' and amends Title 49 and Title 18 of the United States Code to implement these measures. The bill also mandates the Attorney General to prescribe regulations for enforcement and penalties.
Expected Effects
The PART Act will likely increase the cost of new vehicles due to the mandated marking and tracking of catalytic converters. It will also create new requirements for businesses involved in salvaging, dismantling, recycling, or repairing motor vehicles. The Act aims to deter catalytic converter theft and make it more difficult to sell stolen parts.
Potential Benefits
- Reduces catalytic converter theft, saving vehicle owners money and inconvenience.
- Makes it more difficult for thieves to profit from stolen catalytic converters.
- Provides resources for law enforcement to investigate and prosecute catalytic converter theft.
- Enhances traceability of catalytic converters, aiding in the recovery of stolen parts.
- May reduce insurance premiums related to vehicle theft.
Most Benefited Areas:
Potential Disadvantages
- Increased costs for vehicle manufacturers to implement marking and tracking systems, potentially passed on to consumers.
- Increased administrative burden for businesses involved in salvaging, dismantling, recycling, or repairing motor vehicles.
- Potential for increased costs for consumers to purchase catalytic converters due to new regulations.
- The effectiveness of the grant program depends on proper implementation and oversight.
- Potential for unintended consequences, such as increased demand for unmarked catalytic converters or the development of new methods to circumvent the law.
Constitutional Alignment
The PART Act appears to align with the Commerce Clause (Article I, Section 8, Clause 3) by regulating activities related to interstate commerce, specifically the theft and trafficking of catalytic converters. The Act also falls under Congress's power to enact laws necessary and proper for carrying into execution the powers vested by the Constitution (Article I, Section 8, Clause 18). The criminal penalties established in the Act are consistent with Congress's power to define and punish crimes.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).