H.R. 9904 — Deputy Darren Almendarez Act

This section establishes a new federal offense prohibiting the knowing possession or purchase, in or affecting interstate commerce, of one or more catalytic converters removed from a motor vehicle with intent to distribute, sell, or dispose of the converter or its precious metals. First offenses are punishable by fines up to $100,000, imprisonment up to 5 years, or both; second or subsequent offenses carry fines up to $200,000 and imprisonment up to 10 years. It provides affirmative defenses for motor vehicle owners, licensed repair facilities, metal recyclers, and other specified entities that comply with applicable state and local identification and record-keeping requirements.