The bill amends the Scrap Metal Theft Reduction Act to enhance the enforcement and investigative capabilities of law enforcement officers regarding violations of the act. Specifically, it grants Kansas law enforcement officers the authority to conduct investigations into such violations and mandates that investigative reports be submitted to the attorney general, regardless of whether local action is taken. Additionally, the bill establishes two funds: the Scrap Metal Theft Reduction Fee Fund and the Scrap Metal Data Repository Fund, both of which will be administered by the attorney general and the Kansas Bureau of Investigation, respectively. These funds will be used to support the administration and operational expenses related to the act.

Furthermore, the bill includes provisions to ensure the confidentiality of information maintained in the database created for tracking scrap metal transactions, stipulating that such information is not a public record and can only be used for investigatory purposes. It also prohibits any entity contracting with the attorney general or the Kansas Bureau of Investigation from charging scrap metal dealers fees for submitting information to the database. Lastly, the bill protects scrap metal dealers from civil liability for any claims arising from the state's handling of the information they provide. The existing section of K.S.A. 2024 Supp. 50-6,109a is repealed as part of this legislative update.

Statutes affected:
As introduced: 22-2502, 22-4615
H Sub for: 50-6