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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
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State
Rep. Eddie Day Pashinski |
  
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Pashinski scrap metal bill approved by Senate committee
HARRISBURG, June 10 – State Rep. Eddie Day Pashinski, D-Luzerne, said the Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committee has approved his bill that would develop a registry for scrap metal sellers in Pennsylvania, and also penalize people who steal scrap metal from residential and construction sites.
Members of the Senate committee amended the bill to allow scrap processors or recycling facilities to hold stolen scrap materials for 36 hours instead of the original proposal of three days.
Pashinski introduced the legislation (H.B. 1742) because of the increased number of scrap metal thefts at locations in his legislative district and across the state.
"Because of the high price of scrap metal, thieves have even invaded the sanctity of cemeteries by ripping off veterans' markers," Pashinski said. "My bill would attempt to curtail these senseless robberies."
Pashinski's bill also includes a provision that would punish people who sell rented beer kegs to scrap processors or recycling facilities instead of returning the kegs to beverage distributors. Violators would be fined $2,500 for a first offense as a summary offense, and each subsequent offence would be considered a third-degree misdemeanor.
The Luzerne County legislator said he is hopeful the legislation will be considered and passed by the full Senate. The House passed the bill in February.
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