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 and mandates that investigative reports be submitted to the attorney general, regardless of whether local action is taken. The attorney general retains jurisdiction over the implementation and enforcement of the act, with the ability to employ agents, issue subpoenas, and conduct educational outreach. Additionally, the bill establishes two funds: the Scrap Metal Theft Reduction Fee Fund and the Scrap Metal Data Repository Fund, both of which are to be administered by the attorney general and the Kansas Bureau of Investigation, respectively.

Furthermore, the bill includes provisions to ensure that information maintained in the database created for the act is confidential and not subject to public records requests. It 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. The bill also protects scrap metal dealers from civil liability related to the information they provide. Lastly, the existing section of K.S.A. 2024 Supp. 50-6,109a is repealed, and the act will take effect upon publication in the statute book.

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