West Indy News

Congressman Jim Baird (IN-04) has introduced the Preventing Auto Recycling Thefts (PART) Act, a bill aimed at curbing catalytic converter thefts by marking these car parts with identifying information and improving enforcement measures. Congresswoman Betty McCollum (D-MN-04) is co-sponsoring the legislation.

“Each year, thousands of Americans face costly repairs to their vehicles as catalytic converter thefts have surged nationwide,” said Congressman Baird. “These thefts can have devastating financial consequences on Americans and business owners, and it has become a significant problem in Central Indiana. I first introduced the PART Act after hearing from numerous constituents and local law enforcement officers about the growing prevalence of catalytic converter thefts. I am proud to introduce this bill to take action on this pressing issue by closing the loopholes in our legal system that allow thieves to steal this essential car part and empowering law enforcement to hold these thieves accountable. I also thank Congresswoman Betty McCollum for her continued work with me on this critical issue affecting Hoosiers and Americans across the country.”

“Catalytic converter theft continues to be a common and costly problem for drivers across the nation, and specifically in the Twin Cities,” said Congresswoman McCollum. “I am pleased to join my Republican colleague, Rep. Baird, in reintroducing the PART Act. By working with auto manufacturers in writing the regulations to properly track catalytic converters, the PART Act gives law enforcement the tools they need to prevent this crime. I look forward to working with my colleagues in the House and Senate to pass this vital legislation.”

The legislation was also introduced with support from Representatives Brian Babin (TX-36), Buddy Carter (GA-01), Jim Costa (CA-21), Angie Craig (MN-02), Debbie Dingell (MI-06), Seth Magaziner (RI-02), and Tracey Mann (KS-01).

A catalytic converter is an essential component required for compliance with federal emissions standards under laws such as the Clean Air Act. These devices contain precious metals like rhodium, platinum, and palladium, which can fetch high prices when sold as scrap metal. The cost for vehicle owners to replace stolen converters often ranges from $500 up to $2,300; sometimes losses are so high that vehicles are considered totaled.

According to data from the National Insurance Crime Bureau, reported cases of catalytic converter theft rose significantly between 2019—when there were 3,389 reports—and 2022 when incidents peaked at over 64,000 cases nationwide before dropping back down to around 21,200 cases in 2023.

Current policies make prosecution difficult because there are few specific criminal codes covering trafficking of stolen converters; police typically must catch perpetrators during or immediately after a theft occurs.

The proposed PART Act would require new vehicles’ converters be stamped with unique identifiers linked back to their original vehicle owner records; it would also establish grants so existing vehicles could receive similar markings retroactively. Purchasers of used converters would face stricter recordkeeping requirements while new criminal offenses related specifically to trafficking stolen parts would be codified into law.

Jim Baird is currently serving as U.S. Representative for Indiana’s 4th district since 2019 after replacing Todd Rokita (https://baird.house.gov/about). He previously held seats in both state government bodies—the Indiana House of Representatives from 2010–2018—and county commission posts before entering Congress.