Contact Congress about H.R. 5221: PART Act
This bill would mark catalytic converters so police can trace them back to a vehicle. It would also add records, ban cash and crypto sales, and create federal penalties for theft and trafficking.
Modern Action explains legislation in plain English, helps you choose whether to support, oppose, or ask for changes, and drafts a message tied to the bill, your stance, and the elected officials who can act on it.
PART Act is a House bill in committee. The latest recorded action: Forwarded by Subcommittee to Full Committee by Voice Vote.
Latest action on H.R. 5221: Forwarded by Subcommittee to Full Committee by Voice Vote.
Who this affects: This bill mainly affects businesses that make, repair, buy, sell, salvage, or recycle vehicles and parts. It also affects police and prosecutors, who would get new tools to track and charge catalytic converter theft. Drivers and fleet owners could benefit if the markings reduce theft, but the bill does not guarantee that theft will fall.
Why this matters: Catalytic converter theft leaves drivers with costly repairs and gives thieves a fast way to make money. This bill tries to break that market by making converters easier to trace and harder to sell anonymously. It could help police find stolen parts and build cases. Its real effect would depend on enforcement, business compliance, and how thieves respond.
Key provisions in H.R. 5221
- The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration must act within 180 days. It must add catalytic converters to federal vehicle theft marking rules for all covered vehicles that have not yet been sold to their first buyer, no matter the model year.
- A catalytic converter mark may use a unique part ID. That ID can link to the vehicle's full VIN through a database that law enforcement can use.
- The bill changes the federal vehicle theft marking law in 49 U.S.C. 33106. It requires every vehicle line to have clear catalytic converter markings, under rules written by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
- The Department of Transportation must create grants for marking catalytic converters. Law enforcement, dealers, fleet owners, repair shops, and nonprofits could use the money for VIN or unique ID stamping and bright high-heat paint.
- The Transportation Secretary must favor grants in places with high catalytic converter theft. The Secretary must also favor groups that own vehicles covered by the new marking rules.
How Modern Action helps you take action on H.R. 5221
You do not have to start with a blank letter. Modern Action turns the bill, your position, and the relevant congressional context into a message you can edit and send. The goal is to make contacting Congress clear, specific, and useful without forcing you to parse bill text or figure out the right office on your own.
Questions people ask about H.R. 5221
- What is H.R. 5221?
- This bill would mark catalytic converters so police can trace them back to a vehicle. It would also add records, ban cash and crypto sales, and create federal penalties for theft and trafficking.
- How do I support or oppose H.R. 5221?
- Choose support, oppose, or ask for changes on Modern Action. The action flow drafts the message for you and keeps the wording tied to this bill.
- Who should I contact about H.R. 5221?
- Modern Action uses your location to route the action to the congressional offices relevant to the bill and your representation.
- Can Modern Action explain H.R. 5221 before I act?
- Yes. Modern Action gives you a plain-English summary, current status, and action context before you send anything.
