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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
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State
Rep. Eddie Day Pashinski |
  
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Scrap metal bill heads to governor's desk
HARRISBURG, Oct. 7 – House Bill 1742, introduced by state Rep. Eddie Day Pashinski, D-Luzerne, which would provide law enforcement the tools it needs to investigate scrap metal thefts and bring the thieves to justice, is on its way to the governor for his signature.
"I'm pleased the bill is now before the governor and in position to become law, because it's a law that's direly needed," Pashinski said. "As the world wide demand for all metals increase, the value of metal commodities has spiraled upwards in a dramatic fashion causing an epidemic of metal thefts.
"Since this bill was passed by the House in February, rarely a week has gone by without stories appearing in the news regarding scrap metal theft. Construction materials, aluminum bleachers, manhole covers, beer kegs, copper tubing from homes, copper downspouts from churches, mausoleum doors and veteran's markers from cemeteries have all been subject to these senseless thefts," he said.
Under the legislation (H.B. 1742), which was co-sponsored by Rep. Scott Boyd, R-Lancaster, scrap processors and recycling facilities would have to maintain records on all transactions over $100, or those involving catalytic converters, and keep those records for two years. Information that would have to be retained includes a photocopy of the seller's driver's license, license plate number of the seller's vehicle, a description of the material purchased and the weight and amount paid for it.
In addition, the processor or recycler, upon police notification, would have to hold for 48 hours any scrap metal that is reported stolen.
Violations under this measure would be punishable by a fine of up to $2,500 for a summary offense. A subsequent violation would be considered a third-degree misdemeanor.
After the governor signs the bill, it would take effect in 60 days.
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