Bill Overview
Title: PART Act
Description: PART Act This bill establishes requirements for motor vehicles related to catalytic converters and other motor vehicle parts that contain precious metals. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration must revise the motor vehicle theft prevention standard for new motor vehicles to include catalytic converters among the parts that require an inscribed or affixed identifying number. Additionally, the Department of Transportation must establish a grant program through which law enforcement agencies and other entities can stamp vehicle identification numbers onto catalytic converters of existing vehicles. The bill establishes retention requirements for the purchase of motor vehicle parts that contain precious metals. It also sets forth criminal penalties for the theft of catalytic converters or any precious metals removed from a vehicle.
Sponsors: Rep. Baird, James R. [R-IN-4]
Target Audience
Population: People who own vehicles with catalytic converters
Estimated Size: 144000000
- Catalytic converters are found in most modern vehicles. The proposed legislation targets theft prevention of these devices, directly impacting vehicle owners.
- Globally, there are over one billion cars, and catalyitic converters are a common component in new vehicles. Thus, the legislation potentially impacts a large number of vehicle owners worldwide.
- Within the U.S., there are approximately 289.5 million registered vehicles as of recent estimates, indicating a substantial number of individuals could be impacted by policies affecting vehicle parts.
- The legislation impacts not only vehicle owners but also law enforcement agencies responsible for enforcing the new stamping requirements and tackling theft.
- Auto dealerships and repair shops might also need to adapt processes to comply with the new retention requirements and penalities related to catalytic converters.
Reasoning
- The target population is large, with approximately 289.5 million registered vehicles in the U.S., each potentially benefiting from theft reduction measures like the PART Act.
- The budget constraint indicates careful selection of locations and entities to participate in the VIN stamping program, possibly focusing on high-theft areas first.
- Potential beneficiaries include vehicle owners, law enforcement, and the auto industry, each impacted differently.
- Not everyone will experience a large change; those already in low-theft areas may barely notice, whereas areas with high theft rates may see substantial changes.
- This simulation includes a variety of perspectives to reflect differences in impact based on geographic location, vehicle value, and personal opinion on the legislation.
- Expect variation in the Cantril scores due to differences in perceived safety, financial security from reduced theft risk, and policy enthusiasm.
Simulated Interviews
Teacher (Los Angeles, CA)
Age: 45 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I think this law is great. I've been worried about my car every night.
- Finally, some sort of action is being taken against these thefts.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 5 |
Ride-share Driver (New York, NY)
Age: 32 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 15/20
Statement of Opinion:
- It's good that they are finally doing something about this issue.
- If it makes my job more secure, I'm all for it.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 6 |
Retired (Rural Kansas)
Age: 60 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 2.0 years
Commonness: 12/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I'm not sure it will make a difference out here.
- We don't really have these kinds of problems, but it's nice to have the protection.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 8 |
College Student (Chicago, IL)
Age: 25 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 11/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This should help a lot. I've heard so many stories from other students who lost their car parts.
- It makes me feel safer parking my car.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 5 |
Auto Mechanic (Houston, TX)
Age: 38 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 14/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Thefts mean more work for us but it's not good business.
- Hopefully, this will reduce the problem and spare some stress on our customers.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 6 |
Law Enforcement Officer (Miami, FL)
Age: 50 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- It's going to be a big effort, but worth it.
- This policy will help streamline our efforts against organized theft.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 7 |
Tech Industry Professional (Seattle, WA)
Age: 29 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Good to see environmental impact being considered by reducing theft-related waste.
- Local policy impact will reflect on broader community safety.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 8 |
Small Business Owner (Phoenix, AZ)
Age: 41 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 9/20
Statement of Opinion:
- It's been so frustrating dealing with theft; this policy will definitely help.
- I hope this reduces crime and damage to my business.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 5 |
Insurance Agent (Atlanta, GA)
Age: 47 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 13/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy is much needed to prevent unnecessary claims and expenses.
- It could impact insurance premiums positively.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 7 |
Environmental Scientist (Denver, CO)
Age: 30 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Less theft could mean fewer parts end up in landfills.
- I think it's a step towards a safer and cleaner community.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 8 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $100000000 (Low: $80000000, High: $120000000)
Year 2: $110000000 (Low: $90000000, High: $130000000)
Year 3: $120000000 (Low: $100000000, High: $140000000)
Year 5: $140000000 (Low: $110000000, High: $160000000)
Year 10: $160000000 (Low: $120000000, High: $180000000)
Year 100: $200000000 (Low: $150000000, High: $250000000)
Key Considerations
- The bill impacts a significant number of vehicle owners, necessitating widespread adoption of VIN etching technology.
- Compliance measures for new vehicle standards will need efficient implementation to minimize resistance and cost overruns.
- Inter-agency coordination is crucial due to the involvement of multiple government bodies like the Department of Transportation and NHTSA.
- The economic benefits and cost savings depend on the efficacy of reducing catalytic converter theft.