Senate Bill No. 496, introduced by Senator Connick, aims to enhance the regulation of copper purchases by scrap metal dealers and recyclers in Louisiana. The bill amends several sections of the existing law, including definitions related to scrap metal recycling, and introduces new terms such as "cable service provider," "carrier," and "telecommunications service." It clarifies exemptions for business-to-business purchases of scrap metal from licensed operators and other specified entities. Additionally, the bill mandates stricter recordkeeping and reporting requirements for transactions involving copper and brass materials, including the collection of photographs, thumbprints, and valid identification from sellers.

The proposed legislation also modifies payment requirements, prohibiting cash transactions for copper and brass materials, and stipulating that payments must be made via check or loadable payment card after a five-day waiting period. It further requires operators to transmit daily photographs of purchased copper and brass materials to a law enforcement-accessible database. The bill removes the previous requirement for operators to verify sellers' addresses with a utility bill while maintaining the need for identification verification. The changes are set to take effect on August 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
SB496 Original: 37:1964(8), 37:1972(C), 37:1973(A)(2)