Deputy Darren Almendarez Act
The source supplies the latest action, but no lifecycle stage.
Latest action (23 Jul 2026): Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
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.
Timeline
23 Jul 2026
Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
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?
- The source does not supply a confirmed lifecycle stage for H.R. 9904. Check the latest action and official source below.
- Who sponsored H.R. 9904?
- H.R. 9904 was sponsored by Rep. Gill, Brandon [R-TX-26] (R-TX), with 13 cosponsors.
- What's the latest action on H.R. 9904?
- Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary. (23 Jul 2026).
Related bills in Crime and Law Enforcement
Enhancing Detection of Human Trafficking Act
National Coordination Center and Commercial Cyber Capabilities Codification Act
Anthony Amoros Law Right to Know Act
Supporting the goals and ideals of "National Nonviolence Week" to raise awareness of youth violence in the United States.
More bills from Rep. Gill, Brandon [R-TX-26]
Barron’s Law
Ending Restaurant Purchases with SNAP Act of 2026
Citizenship Act of 2026
Bill100 mirrors the public U.S. legislative record from Congress.gov and GovTrack and adds plain-English AI summaries. It is an information tool, not legal, compliance or lobbying advice, and it is not affiliated with the U.S. Congress or any government agency. AI summaries can simplify or omit detail — every bill links to the official source; verify there before you rely on it.