The bill seeks to strengthen the regulation of scrap metal businesses in Washington State to safeguard critical infrastructure and combat the sale of stolen materials. It introduces stricter record-keeping requirements for transactions involving nonferrous metal property, mandating that businesses maintain accurate records for five years and requiring sellers to present government-issued identification. Cash transactions for nonferrous metal property are prohibited, with payments allowed only through stored value devices, electronic funds transfers, or nontransferable checks. New penalties are established for violations, particularly concerning transactions involving stolen copper from telecommunication cables, with escalating fines for repeat offenses and potential loss of licensure after three violations. The bill also makes it unlawful to sell transaction records and imposes civil penalties for noncompliance.

Furthermore, the legislation introduces new legal definitions and penalties related to the destruction of critical communications infrastructure, defining such destruction as intentionally damaging or disabling communications services, encompassing both physical and cyber components. These actions are classified as a class C felony. The bill also creates a civil cause of action for individuals harmed by the destruction of critical communications infrastructure, allowing victims to file lawsuits in superior court to recover damages, including reasonable investigative and attorney fees. This comprehensive approach aims to enhance the protection of critical communications infrastructure while providing legal recourse for affected individuals.

Statutes affected:
Original bill: 19.290.020, 19.290.030, 19.290.040, 19.290.080, 19.290.140, 9A.82.010, 9.94A.515