Reps. Gill and Correa Introduce Deputy Darren Almendarez Act

Washington, D.C. - Congressman Brandon Gill (TX-26) today introduced the Deputy Darren Almendarez Act, a bipartisan effort to crack down on catalytic converter theft. The legislation would make it a federal crime to knowingly possess, purchase, or sell a catalytic converter that has been unlawfully removed from a motor vehicle when the conduct affects interstate or foreign commerce. Violators would be subject to fines of up to $100,000 and imprisonment for up to five years, with enhanced penalties for repeat offenders. Congressman Lou Correa (D-CA) is the colead on this legislation.

"Catalytic converter theft has imposed significant costs on families, businesses, and law enforcement agencies across the country," said Rep. Gill. "By targeting the black market for stolen catalytic converters, this legislation aims to disrupt the financial incentive behind these thefts. It is a tragedy that Deputy Sheriff Almendarez lost his life because of the crime this bill aims to prevent. My prayers are with his family."

The legislation is named in honor of Deputy Sheriff Darren Almendarez, a Harris County Deputy, who was shot and killed while off duty when he attempted to stop three men who were stealing a catalytic converter. A similar bill named after Deputy Darren Almendarez became law in Texas, and this legislation builds on that model at the federal level. The legislation includes carve-outs for legitimate activities including:

• Vehicle owners or lessees removing converters from their own vehicles;
• Manufacturers, dealers, and repair facilities acting within their official duties;
• Licensed and regulated recycling entities, salvage yards, law enforcement, educational programs, and other specified organizations

"California leads the nation in catalytic converter thefts. My constituents are hardworking families, and they're getting robbed twice - once by the thief, and once by the bill to fix their car, which will cost thousands of dollars," said Rep. Correa (D-CA). "The Deputy Darren Almendarez Act gives law enforcement real tools to go after these criminals and address this nationwide epidemic."

"As the voice of America's prosecutors, the National District Attorneys Association supports the Deputy Darren Almendarez Act to address the significant impact catalytic converter theft has on victims, businesses, and communities," said Nelson Bunn, NDAA Executive Director. "This legislation provides important federal tools to target the illegal market that fuels catalytic converter theft while also reinforcing state and local efforts by mandating compliance with state and local recordkeeping and identification requirements."

"The black market for stolen catalytic converters continues to drive the theft of converters and associated violent crimes in our communities," said Bill Johnson, Executive Director of National Association of Police Organizations. "The Deputy Darren Almendarez Act, named in honor of slain Harris County Sheriff's Deputy Darren Almendarez, who was murdered while trying to stop his catalytic converter from being stolen, would provide federal, state, and local law enforcement an important tool to combat criminal enterprises trafficking in stolen catalytic converters. This legislation addresses a significant public safety issue and would serve as a significant deterrent to prevent these thefts that are so costly to families, businesses, and law enforcement. NAPO supports this important bill, and we thank Congressmen Gill and Correa for their endeavors to protect the public."

"The loss of my husband, Deputy Darren Almendarez, changed my life forever," said Flor Zarzoza-Almendarez, Wife of Deputy Darren Almendarez. "Every day, I live with the pain of his absence, but I also carry tremendous pride in the man he was and the oath he faithfully upheld. Darren gave his life protecting me that night as well as the community at large, and there is not a day that goes by that I don't miss him. I am incredibly grateful to everyone who has continued to honor Darren's memory-from our law enforcement family and elected leaders to the organizations and citizens who have stood beside me through this journey. Your support has reminded me that Darren's sacrifice will never be forgotten. The Deputy Darren Almendarez Act means so much to our family because it represents more than legislation-it represents hope. Hope that stronger laws will help stop the criminal activity that led to Darren's death. Hope that another law enforcement family will spare the heartbreak we have endured. May Darren's legacy continues to protect others. Though no law can bring Darren back, knowing his name will forever stand for saving lives and holding violent criminals accountable brings our family great comfort. Thank you to every organization that has supported this effort, and to everyone who has worked so hard to make this legislation possible and ensure Darren's service and sacrifice are never forgotten."

"Autos Drive America supports the Deputy Darren Almendarez Act, a bipartisan, commonsense bill that will protect consumers while providing law enforcement with the tools they need to combat the rising problem of catalytic converter theft," said Jennifer Safavian, CEO of Autos Drive America. "This legislation brings a thoughtful approach to a complex problem, and we applaud Rep. Gill and Rep. Correa's efforts."

"We've seen firsthand the damage catalytic converter theft causes," said Roger Elswick, Dealer, Elswick Automotive. "At our dealership in Baytown, [Texas], thieves hid in the bushes while new vehicles were being unloaded just so they could steal catalytic converters. That's the reality businesses are dealing with today. This bill goes after the criminal networks driving these thefts and gives law enforcement another way to hold them accountable. I appreciate Representatives Brandon Gill and Lou Correa for leading this effort, and I hope Congress moves quickly to pass it."

"Catalytic converter theft is a major problem across the country, and Reps. Gill and Correa are right to address it," said the Alliance for Automotive Innovation. The Deputy Darren Almendarez Act is a commonsense bipartisan measure that will help prevent catalytic converter theft, protect consumers and strengthen law enforcement's ability to identify offenders and hold them accountable."

Cosponsors (12): Reps. Troy Nehls, Roger Williams, Sylvia Garcia, Randy Weber, Vincente Gonzalez, Jimmy Panetta, Henry Cuellar, Veronica Escobar, Beth Van Duyne, Gil Cisneros, Tom Suozzi, Gabe Vasquez

Groups in Support: National District Attorney's Association, US Deputy Sheriffs Association, National Insurance Crime Bureau, TMPA, Houston Police Officers Union, Austin Police Association, Harris County Deputies Organizations, Sherriffs' Association of Texas, Dallas Police Association, Texas Fraternal Order of Police, Combined Law Enforcement Associations of Texas, V LA Association of Chiefs of Police, Louisiana Sheriffs Association, National Association of Police Organizations, Autos Drive America (ADA), Alliance for Automotive Innovation, Major County Sheriffs of America (MCSA)

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