U.S. Rep. Mikie Sherrill (NJ-11) has introduced the bipartisan Auto Theft Prevention Act with U.S. Rep. Don Bacon (NE-02), which would dedicate funding to local law enforcement agencies for resources to combat auto thefts under the U.S. Department of Justice’s Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS). Rep. Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5) and Rep. Andy Kim (NJ-3) are also co-sponsors of this measure.
Under the provisions of H.R. 9188, grants would be awarded for equipment, hiring additional law enforcement officers, resources for joint task forces, data collection, and research activities. Several municipalities have passed resolutions in support of this measure.
The legislation has been referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary. While not currently on the calendar to be considered, the League will continue to monitor this legislation in the new session of Congress in January and keep you informed if it progresses.
Contact: Paul Penna, Senior Legislative Analyst, ppenna@njlm.org, 609-695-3481, x110.