Reps. Sherrill, Bacon Reintroduce Bipartisan Legislation to Combat Auto Thefts

Component of Congresswoman’s Jersey STRONG Agenda

Washington, DC– Representatives Mikie Sherrill (NJ-11) and Don Bacon (NE-02) reintroduced the Auto Theft Prevention Act. This bipartisan legislation will provide state and local law enforcement agencies with the critical federal funding they need to help combat auto thefts and stolen vehicle trafficking.

This bill is a part of Congresswoman Sherrill’s Jersey STRONG agenda, which prioritizes issues that are front and center for New Jersey families.

“When residents, mayors, and police chiefs throughout NJ-11 came to me with concerns regarding the rise in motor vehicle theft in our towns, it was clear federal action was necessary,” said Rep. Sherrill. “These thefts have placed communities in danger and left families feeling threatened in their own homes. With this commonsense, bipartisan legislation, state and local police will have stronger resources that will help them respond to and deter thieves. I crafted this legislation with input from local law enforcement to ensure these grants are targeted and will be effective in protecting families. I will continue to work with my colleague Congressman Bacon until this bill becomes law.”

“I’m glad to lead this legislation with Rep. Sherrill, which will help local law enforcement, including those in our district, get the technology and top-notch equipment to track and catch car thieves quickly and efficiently,” said Rep. Bacon. “Not only will this grant help combat the rise in auto thefts, but it will help deter future crimes. Criminals will see they won’t be able to get away with stealing from the community.”

This legislation will create a new competitive grant program within the Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) to fund state and local law enforcement efforts to combat auto thefts. In addition, the legislation creates a new eligible use of funds within the existing COPS grant program that allows police departments to use funds on new equipment, hiring, and compensation to help combat auto thefts. It is designed to direct funding to areas of the country that are most impacted by auto thefts.

Grants can be used by police departments to purchase equipment used to combat auto theft, such as law enforcement vehicles and license plate readers, hire additional law enforcement officers and support staff, fund overtime costs and additional compensation for law enforcement officers and support staff, provide resources for joint task forces, and fund law enforcement data collection and research activities related to combating auto theft.

The legislation has been endorsed by the National Troopers Coalition, International Union of Police Associations, New Jersey State Troopers Fraternal Association, and New Jersey Association of Counties. Original cosponsors of the bill include Reps. Angie Craig, Josh Gottheimer, Andy Kim, and David Trone.

This month, Rep. Sherrill unveiled her Jersey STRONG agenda, which includes the first five pieces of legislation she is introducing in the 118th Congress. With this bill package, Congresswoman Sherrill will continue to fight for New Jersey by:

Saving the SALT Deduction

Taking Care of our Veterans

Reining in Auto Thefts

Optimizing Women’s Health Care

Nominating More Labor Representatives

Getting Stuff Done