SB 507 - Under this act, for any purchase of copper, every purchaser or collector of, or dealer in, junk, scrap metal, or any secondhand property shall require from the seller either a bill of sale that indicates or an affidavit that attests that the copper being sold was acquired lawfully. Under current law, every purchaser or collector of, or dealer in, junk, scrap metal, or any secondhand property is required to maintain a record of each purchase or trade in which certain types of materials are obtained for value, with exceptions for certain transactions. This act repeals the exception relating to any transaction for which the total amount paid for all regulated material purchased or sold does not exceed $50, unless the material is a catalytic converter.
Further, transactions in which the seller has an existing business relationship with the scrap metal dealer and for which the seller is paid by check or by electronic funds transfer is not subject to the provisions of the act.
A person who pleads or is found guilty of the offense of stealing for appropriating copper shall be prohibited from selling copper for 10 years following the date of conviction. A violation of this provision is a Class B misdemeanor.
JAMIE ANDREWS