Requires scrap processors to record certain information

BILL NUMBER:S749

Title of bill

An act to amend the general business law, in relation to requiring scrap processors to record certain information

Purpose

This bill strengthens the records scrap processors must keep upon purchase to include the driver's license of the motor vehicle driven by the seller at the time of the transaction.

Summary of provisions

Section 1 amends section 69-g of the general business law, as amended by chapter 302 of the laws of 2007, to include the requirement to record the license plate number of the motor vehicle driven by the seller at the time of the transaction, in addition to the other requirements currently in statute.

Existing law

Currently, scrap processors are required to record certain information on each purchase of metal, bronze or brass castings, utility wire, iron, steel and/or nonferrous scrap over $50, including the date of purchase, name of seller, residence address by street, number, city, village or town, the driver's license number or information from a government issue photographic identification card, and the type and quantity of the purchase, and hold these records for 3 years.

Justification

Metal theft is a growing problem, with the theft of copper piping and wire from buildings, utility poles, and other locations becoming more prevalent. This type of theft often carries great safety risks for the home and building owners, in addition to financial hardship. This bill would require the additional recording of a license plate number at the point of sale at scrap yards, which aims to help law enforcement track down those individuals that have stolen these metals.

Legislative history

2012: S.7321 Referred to Consumer Protection 2013: S.536 Referred to Consumer Protection

Fiscal implications

To be determined.

Effective date

Immediately