The bill aims to enhance regulations surrounding scrap metal transactions to combat theft and vandalism involving metal property. Key amendments include the requirement for scrap metal businesses to maintain detailed records of transactions involving nonferrous metal property, which must now include photographs of the metal and identifiable markings. Additionally, transactions valued at $50 or more must be digitally uploaded to a state-approved database, and the metal must be retained in its original form for at least ten days. The bill also stipulates that cash transactions are prohibited, and payments must be made via nontransferable checks or electronic methods, ensuring that sellers provide valid identification and sign a declaration affirming the property is not stolen.

Furthermore, the bill establishes a critical infrastructure crime reduction unit within the office of the attorney general to assist local law enforcement with investigations and prosecutions related to metal theft affecting critical infrastructure. This unit will prioritize jurisdictions with higher rates of such incidents and will be funded through a newly created critical infrastructure crime reduction account. The bill also clarifies the responsibilities of scrap metal businesses in reporting suspected stolen property and mandates that they hold such property intact upon notification from law enforcement. Overall, the legislation seeks to strengthen the oversight of scrap metal transactions and enhance law enforcement's ability to address related crimes.

Statutes affected:
Original bill: 19.290.020, 19.290.030, 19.290.050, 19.290.060