US HB5221

NHTSA must revise motor vehicle theft prevention standards within 180 days to require catalytic converters be marked with vehicle identification numbers or unique part identification numbers accessible to law enforcement

Establishes a $7 million grant program for law enforcement agencies, auto dealers, repair shops, fleet owners, and nonprofits to purchase equipment for VIN stamping catalytic converters with high-visibility theft deterrence paint

Prohibits selling or purchasing catalytic converters with removed identifying markings, requires all transactions use traceable payment methods (no cash or cryptocurrency), and mandates buyers retain seller records for at least 2 years

Creates federal criminal penalties of up to 5 years imprisonment for stealing catalytic converters or knowingly purchasing stolen ones with intent to sell, and expands the definition of "chop shops" to include precious metal extraction operations

Requires the Secretary of Transportation to submit annual reports to Congress for 10 years on program progress, including total converters marked and theft outcomes