(July 29, 2008) The California Chamber of Commerce is urging members of the business community to support legislation intended to curb one of the fastest-growing crimes in the state: metal theft.
Scrap metal theft is affecting businesses and individuals alike. Copper and aluminum are being stripped from building sites, farms, utilities, schools, vacant homes and other sites, only to be sold to metal recyclers for a profit.
The CalChamber, along with several organizations, is in strong support of two bills, AB 844 (Berryhill; R-Modesto) and SB 691 (R. Calderon; D-Montebello).
The bills require junk dealers and recyclers to comply with specified recordkeeping and identification procedures, restrict cash transactions and increase penalties for violating these provisions.
AB 844 and SB 691 provide the necessary tools to reduce the sales of stolen metal. Included in the bills is a requirement for scrap metal recyclers to obtain current identification, including thumbprint, from sellers and a photograph of the items sold. The bills also require the sellers to complete a form disclosing the origin of the materials.
In addition to the improved record-keeping requirements, these bills change payment methods for scrap metal. Sellers will be paid after a three-day waiting period, unless an individual completes five or more separate transactions per month. Also under the legislation, recyclers are required to report their transactions on a monthly basis to local law enforcement.
Finally, the bills increase penalties against recyclers found in violation of these provisions and require convicted scrap metal thieves to pay for costs associated with their crime.
The recent rise in scrap metal values has made the theft and sale of these materials increasingly profitable.
The market price for copper has gone from $.75 a pound to $3.76 in five years. Aluminum prices have more than doubled in the same time, from $.60 to $1.30 a pound.
Action Needed
AB 844 is scheduled for consideration by the Senate Public Safety Committee on August 5. SB 691 was sent to the Assembly Appropriations Suspense file on July 15 pending a review of its fiscal impact.
Contact your Assembly or Senate representatives and encourage them to support the bills.
Staff Contact: Valerie Nera