State Rep. Tina Davis recently testified before the House Consumer Affairs Committee about House Bill 1086, which would require scrap metal dealers and recycling processors to record scrap metal transactions of any value. The legislation also would prohibit dealers from carrying out cash transactions when purchasing scrap metal from a seller.
Davis who is the sponsor of the bill, has been working on getting a law on the books to toughen laws on the books, wants to see “scrapers” and scrap metal dealers register certain information about transactions involving scrap metal.
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“Homeowners aren’t the only ones at risk from metal thieves. Fire hydrants, manhole covers, cemetery decorations, utility, construction and communications fixtures, and vehicles’ catalytic converters all have been targeted, making metal theft a public safety issue and not just a nuisance crime.
In a published report last summer, Davis pointed safety issues were also a concern in dealing with the scrap metal industry because of the risks thieves often take in getting to scrap metal, citing one case where alleged robbers were injured due to coming into contact with electricity.
The Insurance Journal recently reported that metal theft claims have increased 36 percent over the last three years.
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Despite claims from industry leaders that there is little to no criminal activity associated with scrap metal Davis wants transaction and personal information recorded for each scrap metal deal taken place.
“It’s time for responsible action,” she said.
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