Bill > HB482

This bill amends existing Alabama law to strengthen penalties and requirements related to the theft and sale of secondary metals, particularly focusing on copper and other valuable materials often targeted in theft. It expands the list of items considered unlawful to damage or destroy, including various utility equipment, agricultural infrastructure, and cemetery items, and increases the penalties for such offenses, mandating minimum prison sentences and prohibiting early release or probation for certain violations. The bill also clarifies what constitutes unlawful possession of stolen secondary metals, such as marked utility property, construction materials, and specific air conditioning components, and revises the penalties for possessing these items, with escalating felony charges for repeat offenses. Furthermore, it imposes stricter documentation requirements on secondary metals recyclers when purchasing certain items like catalytic converters and copper wire, and establishes significant penalties, including mandatory minimum prison sentences, for providing false information or documentation related to the sale of these materials. The legislation aims to deter theft by making it more difficult to sell stolen metals and increasing the consequences for those involved in such crimes.

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