Deputy Darren Almendarez Act
- Sponsor
- Rep. Gill, Brandon [R-TX-26]
- Committees
- Judiciary Committee (primary)
- Last action
- Jul 23, 2026
Bottom line
The Deputy Darren Almendarez Act establishes a new federal crime for catalytic converter trafficking, aiming to deter theft by targeting the illicit market for these parts.
What it actually does
This bill amends title 18 of the U.S. Code to create a new federal offense for knowingly possessing or purchasing catalytic converters removed from motor vehicles with the intent to distribute, sell, or dispose of them or their precious metals. It establishes penalties of up to 5 years imprisonment and a $100,000 fine for a first offense, increasing for subsequent offenses. The bill also provides an affirmative defense for individuals and businesses that comply with state and local regulations and are involved in legitimate activities related to catalytic converters, such as vehicle owners, repair facilities, and licensed metal recycling entities.
Proponents argue
Supporters argue that this bill is a crucial step in combating the rampant theft of catalytic converters, which has become a significant problem nationwide, costing vehicle owners and businesses millions. They contend that federal legislation is necessary to create a uniform deterrent and provide law enforcement with stronger tools to prosecute traffickers, especially those operating across state lines. The bill's affirmative defense provisions are designed to protect legitimate businesses and individuals while focusing enforcement on criminal enterprises.
Opponents contend
Critics might argue that while the intent to curb theft is laudable, federalizing this crime could lead to over-prosecution for minor offenses or inadvertently burden legitimate businesses with complex compliance requirements, even with the affirmative defense. Some may also contend that catalytic converter theft is primarily a state and local issue, and federal intervention might duplicate existing laws or strain federal resources that could be better focused on other crimes.
The bill is very short and clearly written, making it highly accessible for any reader to understand its core provisions and implications within a few minutes.
Section 2. (a) inserting new section "2321A. Trafficking in catalytic converters"
Establishing Federal Offense for Catalytic Converter Trafficking
This provision makes it a federal crime to knowingly possess or purchase catalytic converters that have been removed from a motor vehicle, if done in or affecting interstate commerce, with the intention of selling, distributing, or disposing of the converter or its precious metals. This aims to create a federal legal basis to prosecute individuals involved in the illicit trade of stolen catalytic converters.
Supporters argue
Supporters argue that this provision directly addresses the growing crisis of catalytic converter theft by creating a strong federal deterrent and enabling federal law enforcement to pursue large-scale trafficking operations that often cross state lines, which state laws may struggle to adequately address.
Critics contend
Some critics might argue that this federalization could lead to an expansion of federal criminal jurisdiction into areas traditionally handled by state and local authorities, potentially straining federal resources or leading to disproportionate sentencing for offenses that might otherwise be handled at a local level.
Tradeoffs
The tension lies between providing a robust federal response to a widespread crime and potentially encroaching on state jurisdiction or risking over-federalization of criminal offenses.
Section 2. (a) inserting new section "2321A. Trafficking in catalytic converters", subsection (c)
Affirmative Defenses for Legitimate Catalytic Converter Handling
This provision outlines specific circumstances under which a person would have an affirmative defense against prosecution for possessing or purchasing removed catalytic converters. These defenses apply if the person complies with all state and local identification and record-keeping requirements and is a motor vehicle owner, a manufacturer/dealer, a repair facility, or a licensed metal recycling entity acquiring converters from other legitimate businesses. This is intended to protect legitimate actors in the automotive and recycling industries.