Bill · S. 3577· Senate(119-S-3577)
Auto Theft Prevention Act
- Introduced
- 12/18/2025
- Last activity
- 12/18/2025 — Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
- Sponsored by
- Christopher Coons
- Cosponsors
- - 1 - 1
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
The "Auto Theft Prevention Act" creates a grant program to help State and local law enforcement agencies fight auto theft and stolen vehicle trafficking. The Director of the Office of Community Oriented Policing Services will manage the program and award grants to States that apply and demonstrate need. Funds can be used for equipment, hiring staff, overtime, training, and joint task forces. The bill authorizes $30,000,000 per year from fiscal years 2026 through 2030. It also updates the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 to allow COPS grant funds to be used for these same purposes.
Yes· 3 of 14
Would people in cities be better off under this?+2
Urban areas typically experience higher rates of auto theft and are prioritized for funding.
Does this give the government more power to monitor people inside the country?+2
Funds the purchase of license plate readers, which increase vehicle tracking capabilities.
Is this likely to create jobs?+2
Provides funding for hiring additional law enforcement officers and support staff.
The opposite· 3 of 5
Does this reduce what the federal government spends?-2
Creates a new grant program that increases federal expenditures.
Does this protect people from being watched or searched?-2
Increases the deployment of license plate readers which can reduce individual privacy.
Does this reduce what the federal government owes?-1
Increases government spending by authorizing $30 million annually.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
-
Increased Resources for Crime Fighting: Law enforcement can use funds to hire more officers and support staff, provide training, and use joint task forces to combat auto theft and trafficking (Section 3(e)).
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Better Technology: The bill allows for the purchase of equipment like license plate readers and law enforcement vehicles to help detect and prevent auto theft (Section 3(e)(1)).
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Targeted Help for High-Crime Areas: The Director is told to prioritize grants for States with higher levels of auto theft, and State Attorneys General must prioritize local subgrants for localities with higher levels of auto thefts (Section 3(c)(2)(B) and Section 3(d)(1)).
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Improved Data and Research: Funding is provided for law enforcement data collection and research activities specifically related to combating auto theft (Section 3(e)(7)).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- Limited Funding Availability: Because the program uses a competitive grant process and only authorizes $30,000,000 per year, many State or local agencies may not receive any funding despite having a need (Section 3(c)(1) and Section 3(f)).
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Urban Residents+2Good For Billionaires+1Good For High Income Households+1Good For High Net Worth Individuals+1Good For Low Income Households+1Good For Middle Class Households+1Good For Rural Residents+1Good For Ultra High Net Worth Individuals+1
- National Security And Foreign Policy
- Increases Domestic Surveillance+2
- Economy And Finance
- Increases Job Creation+2Improves Consumer Protection+1Reduces Government Spending-2Improves Fiscal Responsibility-1Reduces National Debt-1
- Education And Technology
- Increases Scientific Research Funding+1Improves Data Privacy-1
- Governance And Ideology
- Increase States Rights+1Increases Federal Power+1Improves Privacy Rights-2
- 12/18/2025
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
- 2 Cosponsors added.
- Introduced in Senate
Bernie MorenoRepublican · Ohio
Jacky RosenDemocrat · Nevada