Bill > SB496

This bill aims to enhance the regulation of copper purchases by scrap metal dealers and recyclers by introducing stricter recordkeeping and reporting requirements, and modifying payment procedures. Key changes include defining "copper or brass material" to encompass items used by cable service providers, carriers, pipeline operators, public utilities, telecommunications service providers, and video service providers, as well as common construction materials. Scrap metal dealers, referred to as "operators," will now be required to photograph sellers of copper or brass material, obtain their thumbprint, and keep a copy of their identification. Additionally, operators must transmit daily pictures of all purchased copper or brass materials to an electronic database accessible by law enforcement. The bill also prohibits cash transactions for copper or brass materials, requiring payment via check or loadable payment card after a five-business-day waiting period, and limits cash transactions for other metals to $300, with payments over that amount also requiring checks or loadable payment cards. Exemptions for business-to-business purchases are clarified to include transactions with other licensed operators, service providers, and businesses generating scrap metal in the ordinary course of their operations.