15 the House and Senate, so it is a long way from being signed into law by the president. If the bill passes, the idea would be to use a $7 million grant program to cover the cost of stamping VINS or other identifiers onto existing vehicles’ catalytic converters. The vehicle owner wouldn’t have to pay anything for this to be done. Dealers would also be able to use the grant program. While the $7 million grant program would be helpful, it wouldn’t come close to covering the cost of marking catalytic converters on vehicles on California dealers’ lots (we sell three million new and used vehicles a year) – but could serve as an interesting model for states to potentially copy. The bill would also require OEMs to stamp the VIN on catalytic converters when vehicles are built. Purchasers would have to check for and keep records of these numbers. Catalytic converter theft, sale, trafficking, or purchase (if the buyer knows the converter was stolen) would be a federal crime. Someone convicted under this law could spend up to five years in jail. In May 2022, 14 trade associations, other industry organizations, and NADA asked Congress to take up H.R. 6394 and get it moving. The signers specifically asked Congress to send it to the House Energy and Commerce Committee for a hearing. If you have dealt with catalytic converter theft, you recognize the importance of this issue. Now is the time to reach out to your representative and ask them to support H.R. 6394. For a full list of committee members, visit https://energycommerce.house.gov/ subcommittees/energy-andcommerce-117th-congress. We can help Congress and, later, the Senate understand how important this issue is, but we will only be successful if we put in the effort. Meanwhile, as of press time, many of the catalytic converter bills are still pending in California. CNCDA is vigorously fighting proposals to require dealers to permanently mark the VIN on catalytic converters of new and used vehicles before sale. However, we are very supportive of bills that aim to increase the enforcement on bad actors. What the California legislature chooses to do this year is important for all dealers, as it could set the tone for how other states address this issue. California’s legislative session ends on August 31, and as we are currently writing this article, we are tracking if the problematic proposal makes it to Governor Newsom’s desk and we will ask for a veto. 3 California Ford Dealership for Sale Congratulations on your retirement Tim and Tom Fuller. National Business Brokers was proud to facilitate the sale of Tim and Tom Fuller’s third generation family dealership, Hunter DCJR Fiat in Lancaster. NationalBusinessBrokers.com info@nationalbusinessbrokers.com 949-770-7451 NBB is CNCDA’S only licensed vendor for bull/sell transactions. Scan to inquire • Newly imaged facility • Freeway location in large market • Excellent opportunity for strong operator
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