A Republican bill with 9 Democratic cosponsors · See all 13 cosponsors
Last activity — Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
In committee
Introduced and handed to a committee in the chamber it started in.
The committee holds it, and most bills are never heard from again. A hearing or a committee vote would be news; silence is the usual outcome, and it kills the bill without anyone voting against it.
Its path through Congress
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
The Deputy Darren Almendarez Act aims to amend title 18 of the United States Code to prohibit the trafficking of catalytic converters. It creates a new offense for those who knowingly possess or purchase catalytic converters removed from motor vehicles with the intent to sell or distribute them. Violators face significant fines and prison sentences, which increase for repeat offenders. The bill includes specific affirmative defenses for various legitimate business entities and individuals. These defenses ensure that legal commerce, such as motor vehicle repairs and regulated recycling, is not prohibited.
Yes· 3 of 8
- Scored +5
Would business owners be better off under this?
It protects legitimate automotive and recycling businesses through clear affirmative defenses.
- Scored +5
Does this better protect air, water and wildlife?
By reducing the theft and illegal trade of catalytic converters, the bill helps ensure proper emissions control standards are maintained.
- Scored +4
Does this give people more protection from unfair business practices?
By targeting theft-related trafficking, it helps protect vehicle owners from the loss of expensive parts.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Increased Penalties for Illegal Activity: The bill establishes strict punishments, including fines up to $100,000 and up to 5 years in prison for a first offense, or up to $200,000 and 10 years for subsequent offenses, aimed at those trafficking in removed catalytic converters (Section 2(a) and 2(b)).
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Protection for Legitimate Business Operations: The bill provides an affirmative defense for several groups, such as motor vehicle repair facilities, manufacturers, and registered metal recycling entities, ensuring they can continue their official duties without being prosecuted for possessing or purchasing converters (Section 2(c)).
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Safeguards for Motor Vehicle Owners: Owners or lessees of motor vehicles are protected from prosecution when they are the ones who had the converter removed from their vehicle (Section 2(c)(1)).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
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Strict Requirements for Legal Defense: To use the affirmative defense, a person must comply with all State and local identification requirements and record-keeping practices related to catalytic converters in the State where the transaction happened (Section 2(c)).
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Restrictions on Repair Facility Employees: Employees or agents of motor vehicle repair facilities can lose their legal defense if they extract precious metals, remove identity markings like the vehicle identification number, or distribute/sell the converters or extracted metals (Section 2(c)(3)).
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Tap or hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Would business owners be better off under this? — It protects legitimate automotive and recycling businesses through clear affirmative defenses. Would middle-income households be better off under this? — Protecting vehicle parts from theft provides financial security for car owners.
- Economy And Finance
- Does this give people more protection from unfair business practices? — By targeting theft-related trafficking, it helps protect vehicle owners from the loss of expensive parts. Does this make it easier to run a small business? — The bill provides legal protections and affirmative defenses for legitimate repair facilities and recycling entities.
- Governance And Ideology
- Does this make it easier to do business across state lines? — The bill addresses activities affecting interstate commerce by criminalizing the trafficking of catalytic converters. Does this give the federal government more power? — It expands federal criminal law by establishing a new offense under Title 18. Does this protect the right to fair treatment by the courts? — The bill includes specific affirmative defenses to ensure due process for legitimate business activities.
- Environment Energy And Infrastructure
- Does this better protect air, water and wildlife? — By reducing the theft and illegal trade of catalytic converters, the bill helps ensure proper emissions control standards are maintained.
- 7/23/2026
- Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
- 13 Cosponsors added.
- Introduced in House
Henry CuellarDemocrat · Texas
J. CorreaDemocrat · California
Gilbert CisnerosDemocrat · California
Veronica EscobarDemocrat · Texas
Vicente GonzalezDemocrat · Texas
Sylvia GarciaDemocrat · Texas
Troy NehlsRepublican · Texas
Jimmy PanettaDemocrat · California
Thomas SuozziDemocrat · New York
Beth Van DuyneRepublican · Texas
Gabe VasquezDemocrat · New Mexico
Randy WeberRepublican · Texas
Roger WilliamsRepublican · Texas