Changes are coming to the state metals theft laws as most states wind their regular legislative session to a close. Alaska is primed to become the 50th state with metal theft laws (see above), while Michigan has essentially redrafted its own.
The updated summaries for these and the six other states that have amended their laws this year are currently being reviewed by ReMA members and chapter leadership in preparation for posting to
ISRI's State Specific Policy Resources page (member log-in required) as well as the compiled State Metals Theft Statutes PDF that ReMA makes available to the public to ensure that everyone can stay up-to-date on the requirements and restrictions for metals processors.
Below are some of the key features of the metals theft law amendments that have passed in eight states this year (as of May 1); you can view more information on these and other legislation that may impact the industry on ISRI's State Legislative Tracking System, available to logged-in members on the State Policy page.
- Alaska HB 305 (pending Governor's signature): Creates a metal theft law in Alaska with recordkeeping, retention, and inspection requirements.
- Arizona HB 2268 adds municipal storm grates to the list of prohibited scrap metal and adds payment options for air conditioning coils. HB 2269 adds liability protection against lawsuits by a person injured while committing metals theft. SB 1460 provides that catalytic converter purchases that abide by the metals theft law requirements are legal.
- Idaho HB 518 amends the items covered under "commercial metal property," adds payment options for Commercial Accounts, reduces the tag and hold period to five days, and specifies inspection and record retention requirements.
- Michigan HB 4593 redrafts the Nonferrous Metals Regulatory Act as the Scrap Metal Regulatory Act, while HB 4595 makes conforming amendments to the penal code for larceny.
- Minnesota HF 2605 amends current registration requirements, moves the date for new recordkeeping, reporting, and other provisions to February 15, 2016, and establishes fees for reporting to the Minnesota Automated Property System. Makes similar changes to the vehicle detitling/dismantling law changes passed in 2013.
- Mississippi HB 585 increases and adds new penalties for violations of the metals theft law.
- Oklahoma HB 3160 recodifies the metals theft law under Title 2 and adds additional penalties for violations.
- Utah SB 92 adds "metals refiners" to the list of "dealers" and specifies what seller identifications are acceptable for the transaction record.
For more information on state legislative activities, contact Danielle Waterfield or Justin Short.