Deputy Darren Almendarez Act
Latest action (23 Jul 2026): Introduced
What this bill does
H.R. 9904, the Deputy Darren Almendarez Act, would amend federal criminal law (title 18, U.S. Code) to create a new offense for trafficking in catalytic converters. Specifically, it would make it a federal crime to knowingly possess a catalytic converter removed from a motor vehicle, or to purchase such a converter (or the precious metals extracted from it) with intent to distribute, sell, or dispose of it, when the conduct occurs in or affects interstate commerce. Violations would carry fines up to $100,000 and up to 5 years in prison, rising to $200,000 and 10 years for repeat offenses.
The bill includes an affirmative defense for people who comply with applicable state and local recordkeeping and identification rules, including vehicle owners removing their own converters, employees of manufacturers, dealers, or repair shops acting within normal duties, and licensed or regulated recyclers, salvage yards, repair facilities, schools, law enforcement agencies, and certain importers. This is meant to distinguish legitimate industry and personal activity from illegal trafficking, which has been linked to catalytic converter theft driven by the value of precious metals inside the devices.
The bill was introduced on July 23, 2026, by Rep. Brandon Gill (R-TX) with several bipartisan cosponsors, and referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary. It has not yet been voted on, and further committee action or floor consideration would be needed before it could become law.
Plain-English summary generated by Bill100 AI from the official record. Always verify against the source below.
Official summary
This bill is in the first stage of the legislative process. It was introduced into Congress on July 23, 2026. It will typically be considered by committee next before it is possibly sent on to the House or Senate as a whole.
Common questions
- What does H.R. 9904 do?
- H.R. 9904, the Deputy Darren Almendarez Act, would amend federal criminal law (title 18, U.S. Code) to create a new offense for trafficking in catalytic converters. Specifically, it would make it a federal crime to knowingly possess a catalytic converter removed from a motor vehicle, or to purchase such a converter (or the precious metals extracted from it) with intent to distribute, sell, or dispose of it, when the conduct occurs in or affects interstate commerce. Violations would carry fines up to $100,000 and up to 5 years in prison, rising to $200,000 and 10 years for repeat offenses. The bill includes an affirmative defense for people who comply with applicable state and local recordkeeping and identification rules, including vehicle owners removing their own converters, employees of manufacturers, dealers, or repair shops acting within normal duties, and licensed or regulated recyclers, salvage yards, repair facilities, schools, law enforcement agencies, and certain importers. This is meant to distinguish legitimate industry and personal activity from illegal trafficking, which has been linked to catalytic converter theft driven by the value of precious metals inside the devices. The bill was introduced on July 23, 2026, by Rep. Brandon Gill (R-TX) with several bipartisan cosponsors, and referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary. It has not yet been voted on, and further committee action or floor consideration would be needed before it could become law.
- Has H.R. 9904 become law?
- Not yet. As of 23 Jul 2026, H.R. 9904 is introduced.
- Who sponsored H.R. 9904?
- H.R. 9904 was sponsored by Rep. Brandon Gill [R-TX26] (Republican-TX), with 13 cosponsors.
- What's the latest action on H.R. 9904?
- Introduced (23 Jul 2026).
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