18 months ago
ShareThe Senate has approved a bill aimed at cutting down on scrap-metal thefts by banning the sale of certain scrap items.
By a 33-0 vote, the Senate on Monday approved the legislation that expands current reporting requirements for scrap-metal dealers and bans the sale of items such as air conditioning components and catalytic converters.
The bill also increases the penalties for sellers accepting stolen metal or for providing false information. Currently, the violations are misdemeanors punishable by a maximum 90 days in jail and a $500 fine. The bill would make the violations a more serious misdemeanor, punishable by up to $1,000 in fines and up to one year in jail.
The measure heads back to the House for consideration of a Senate amendment.
(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
