The bill amends the Kansas Scrap Metal Theft Reduction Act to enhance the enforcement and investigative capabilities of law enforcement officers regarding violations of the act. It grants the attorney general jurisdiction over the implementation and enforcement of the act, allowing for the employment of agents, contracting, and conducting educational outreach. Notably, the bill authorizes Kansas law enforcement officers to conduct investigations into violations and mandates that investigative reports be submitted to the attorney general, regardless of local actions taken.

Additionally, the bill establishes two funds: the Scrap Metal Theft Reduction Fee Fund and the Scrap Metal Data Repository Fund, both to be administered by the attorney general and the Kansas Bureau of Investigation, respectively. The funds will be used for the administration and operational expenses related to the act. The bill also includes provisions for the confidentiality of information maintained in the database, ensuring it is not subject to public records requests, and protects scrap metal dealers from civil liability when providing information to the database. The existing section of K.S.A. 2024 Supp. 50-6,109a is repealed as part of this legislative update.

Statutes affected:
As introduced: 23-3002, 23-3005, 60-2308
As Amended by Senate Committee: 23-3002, 23-3005, 60-2308
{As Amended by Senate Committee of the Whole}: 23-3002, 23-3005, 60-2308
{As Amended by House Committee of the Whole}: 23-3002, 23-3005, 60-2308
Enrolled: 50-6