Minor and miscellaneous bills : hearing before the Subcommittee on Crime of the Committee on the Judiciary, House of Representatives, One Hundred Fourth Congress, first session, on H.R. 1241, H.R. 1533, H.R. 1552, H.R. 2359, and H.R. 2360, September 28, 1995 (Volume Pt. 2) online

and would be a powerful investigative tool for law enforcement.

Last year, over 1.5 million vehicles were reported stolen in the United States. A recent
analysis of actual interstate title transfers showed that states issue new titles for vehicles that
had already been reported stolen on a staggering number of occasions - 140,000 times each
year. It is ridiculous to expect car theft investigators to do an effective job when "good
paper" is so readily available. It is also important to remember that these cars represent only
a fraction of the additional cases in which car thieves registered stolen vehicles using
identification numbers that have been lifted from junked vehicles - another fact that would be
detected instantly by using the NMVTIS.

Let me stress, Mr. Chairman, that the NMVTIS does not create any new databases. All the
information we need exists already in state records and in commercially-compiled databases.
What we lack is the ability to communicate among databases. AAMVAnet was created
expressly for the purpose of providing the interstate communication links needed to connect
driver license databases. NMVTIS is in many ways modelled after the Commercial Driver
License Information System ("CDLIS") and the National Driver Register ("NDR"), both of
which have helped the states to keep dangerous drivers - especially problem truck drivers -
off the highways.

Mr. Chairman, various excuses have been offered as to why the Congrcssionally-inandated
1996 deadline was not met. Some say the system cannot work without complete uniformity
of title definitions and procedures from state to state. While greater uniformity, especially in
the definitions of "junk" and "salvage" is a high priority for AAMVA, it is unrealistic to
expect complete uniformity before the turn of the century. More importantly, it is patently
untrue that the lack of uniformity will keep the NMVTIS from being effective. For example,
states have various terminology and definitions for "drunk driving," "DWl," "DUl" and a
wide range of zero-tolerance laws for teenage drivers, but CDLIS works. We have no doubt
whatsoever that the NMVTIS would be an extremely effective tool with regard to stolen cars
(where lack of uniformity in definitions is never an issue) and al.so with respect to rebuilt
wrecks, odometer rollbacks and various other consumer frauds involving the "laundering" of

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151



Statement by Mr. Fred O. Dickinson, III

American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators

March 7, 1996



motor vehicle titles (where greater uniformity is helpful but not necessary). Other side
benefits include strengthened control over the export of stolen cars and stronger motor carrier
safety enforcement.

We appreciate the funds the pilot implementation project received in the current fiscal year.
But additional funding in Fiscal 1997 will also be crucial to implementation of the full
NMVnS. As this Subcommittee is well aware. Congressional consideration of Fiscal 1997
appropriations is already well underway. The NMVTIS needs a sponsor in the Executive
Branch of the federal government, and the Justice Department fits the bill for this important
anti-crime program perfectly. H.R. 2803 would make it possible to secure the necessar)'
funding at the most appropriate agency.

We urge enactment of this bill as quickly as possible so the necessary funds can be
appropriated in time to get the system operational by the beginning of Fiscal 1998. This
ambitious but achievable new implementation date would be a year and a half later than
Congress originally required. We are ready to make up for lost time, but we need your
help.

Once again, thank you for your leadership on this legislation, Mr. Chairman.



152



NATIONAL IWSU«*NCt CIIME »U(tAU

r9 10330 s. Roberts road, Palos Hills, illii
>fEXT DAY AIR



March 4, 1996



The Honorable Bill McCollum
Chair, Committee on Judiciary
Subcommittee on Crime
U. S. House of Representatives
2266 Raybum House Office Building
Washington. D.C. 20515-0908

RE: HR 2803 - The Anti-Car Theft Improvemcnu Act

Dear Chairman McCollum:

The National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) is a national, not-for-profit organization supported by
approximately 1,000 property/casualty insurance companies. Working with our members and law
enforcement, we investigate cases of vehicle theft and insurance fraud.

HR 2803 will have a major impact on vehicle theft, insurance and consumer fraud and we fiilly support
its passage. The bill makes a number of technical and non-controversial changes to the 1992 Ami-Car
Theft Act. The 1992 law established a central motor vehicle registration system Co help state law
enforcement agencies control auto theft.

HR 2803 transfers the program from the Transportation Department to the Justice Department, grants
immunity for persons performing activities in connection with the mandated databases and authorizes
funding for a state grant program.

Passage of this legislation is critical in order to reduce and control the problems associated with auto title
fraud, illicit trafficlcing in stolen auto parts and the export of stolen cars. The 1992 act was a well-
balanced approach attacVdng various dimensions of the auto tfaefVfraud problem in a systematic way.
HR 2803 will greatly enhance the effectiveness of the original law.

NICB is a recognized leader in auto theft/fraud prevention and detection. We ask for your help in
passing a crucial piece of legislation which will be instrumental in the battle against vehicle theft and
fraud.



Sincerely,




.u