Bill > HR568

This bill establishes a new Auto Theft Prevention Grant Program administered by the Director of the Office of Community Oriented Policing Services at the Department of Justice to combat auto theft and vehicle trafficking nationwide. The program will distribute $30 million annually from fiscal years 2026 through 2030 to state attorneys general, with grant amounts proportional to each state's auto theft levels. Each state must allocate at least 50% of its grant to local law enforcement agencies and at least 25% to state law enforcement agencies, prioritizing areas with higher auto theft rates. Eligible activities for the grant funds include purchasing anti-theft equipment like license plate readers, hiring additional law enforcement personnel, funding overtime and training, supporting joint task forces, and conducting data collection and research related to auto theft. The bill also amends the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act to explicitly allow COPS (Community Oriented Policing Services) grant funds to be used for similar anti-auto theft initiatives. The legislation provides clear definitions for local and state law enforcement agencies, localities, and states, ensuring broad and inclusive implementation across various jurisdictions including territories like Puerto Rico and Guam.

Justice

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/568/all-info