Auto Theft Prevention Act
- Sponsor
- Sen. Coons, Christopher A. [D-DE]
- Committees
- Judiciary Committee (primary)
- Last action
- Dec 18, 2025
Bottom line
This bill creates a new federal grant program and expands an existing one to provide dedicated financial resources to state and local law enforcement for addressing rising auto theft rates.
What it actually does
This bill establishes a new federal grant program within the Department of Justice to provide funding to state and local law enforcement agencies specifically for combating auto theft and stolen vehicle trafficking. It also expands the eligible uses of the existing Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) Grant Program funds to include activities aimed at combating auto theft, such as purchasing equipment, hiring personnel, and funding training.
Proponents argue
Supporters argue that auto theft is a growing problem impacting communities and individuals nationwide, and this bill provides much-needed, targeted resources to law enforcement to acquire essential equipment, hire specialized staff, and fund operations specifically designed to deter and combat these crimes, thereby enhancing public safety and reducing financial losses for victims.
Opponents contend
Critics might contend that this bill represents an expansion of federal involvement in local law enforcement matters, potentially leading to federal overreach or a misallocation of resources that could be more effectively addressed at the state or local level without creating new federal programs. Some may also question the overall effectiveness of such grant programs in significantly reducing complex criminal activities like auto theft.
The bill is concise and clearly written, making it accessible for a quick and thorough review by an informed reader.
Section 3(a)
Establishment of Auto Theft Prevention Grant Program
This section mandates the Director of the Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) within the Department of Justice to establish a new grant program within 60 days of the bill's enactment. The program's sole purpose is to provide funding to state and local law enforcement agencies specifically for combating auto theft and stolen vehicle trafficking.
Supporters argue
Supporters argue that a dedicated federal grant program is essential to provide targeted resources to law enforcement agencies struggling with increased auto theft rates, allowing them to invest in necessary equipment, personnel, and strategies.
Critics contend
Critics might contend that creating a new federal grant program adds another layer of bureaucracy and that existing funding mechanisms or state/local budgets should be sufficient to address these issues without new federal intervention.
Tradeoffs
The tension lies between the desire for targeted federal support for a specific crime problem and concerns about federal expansion into traditionally local law enforcement domains and potential administrative overhead.
Section 3(d) and 3(e)
Grant Fund Distribution and Permitted Uses
This section outlines how grant funds must be distributed within a recipient state: at least 50% must go to local law enforcement agencies (prioritizing localities with higher auto theft rates) and at least 25% to state law enforcement agencies. Any remaining funds can be distributed to either. Eligible uses include purchasing equipment (like license plate readers), hiring additional staff, funding overtime, providing training, supporting joint task forces, and funding data collection, with administrative costs capped at 5% of the grant amount.
Section 3(f)
Funding Authorization for the Grant Program
This section authorizes the appropriation of $30,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2026 through 2030 to carry out the new Auto Theft Prevention Grant Program. This sets the maximum amount that Congress can choose to allocate for the program annually during this five-year period.
Section 4
Expansion of COPS Grant Program Eligibility
This section amends the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 to explicitly add combating auto thefts and stolen automobile trafficking as an eligible use for funds under the existing COPS Grant Program. This means agencies can now use general COPS grants for equipment, hiring, overtime, training, task forces, and data collection related to auto theft, in addition to the new dedicated program.