Bill > S3577

This bill, titled the "Auto Theft Prevention Act," establishes a grant program administered by the Director of the Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) within the Department of Justice to provide funding to state and local law enforcement agencies to combat auto theft and the trafficking of stolen vehicles. To receive these grants, states must apply by demonstrating a need for federal assistance, detailing past efforts to reduce auto theft, and outlining a plan for how they will use the funds for prevention activities and evaluate their success. The Director will prioritize states with higher rates of auto theft when awarding grants. A significant portion of the awarded grant money, at least 50%, must be distributed as competitive subgrants to local law enforcement agencies, with a focus on those in areas with high auto theft rates, and at least 25% must go to state law enforcement agencies. The remaining funds can be distributed as competitive subgrants to either local or state agencies, again prioritizing localities with higher auto theft rates. Eligible uses for these funds include purchasing equipment like license plate readers, covering associated costs, hiring additional officers and staff, funding overtime and compensation, providing training, supporting joint task forces, conducting data collection and research related to auto theft, and covering administrative costs, which are capped at 5% of the grant amount. The bill also authorizes $30 million annually for fiscal years 2026 through 2030 to fund this program and makes conforming amendments to existing law to allow the COPS grant program to fund similar auto theft prevention activities.

Justice

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/senate-bill/3577/all-info