What's happening
This bill requires scrap processors to record the license plate number of a seller’s vehicle during metal transactions.
Why it matters
Helps combat metal theft. By requiring scrap processors to record the license plate number of the seller’s vehicle, the bill makes it easier for law enforcement to track down stolen metals and identify individuals involved in theft or illegal sales.
Increases accountability for sellers. Sellers can no longer remain anonymous or use false identities as easily, since their vehicle information is now tied to each transaction, discouraging fraudulent or illicit activity.
Enhances law enforcement investigations. Law enforcement agencies will have more detailed and accessible transaction records, including vehicle identification, which can aid in investigating crimes and recovering stolen property.
Adds to existing record-keeping duties. Scrap processors must now collect and securely store an additional piece of information—the seller's license plate—alongside existing requirements like name, address, photo ID, and signature, potentially increasing administrative responsibilities but improving traceability.
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Who cares
Headline styles
Track Scrap Metal Sales
Plain English, a few words. Used as the page title.
Sponsors
No co-sponsors yet.
History
- Referred to consumer protection
- Referred to consumer protection
Full text
2 pagesUnderlined is new[Struck] is removedOfficial text on nysenate.gov ↗
STATE OF NEW YORK
585
2019-2020 Regular Sessions
IN SENATE (Prefiled)
January 9, 2019
Introduced by Sen. KENNEDY -- read twice and ordered printed, and when printed to be committed to the Committee on Consumer Protection
AN ACT to amend the general business law, in relation to requiring scrap processors to record certain information
The People of the State of New York, represented in Senate and Assembly, do enact as follows:
Section 1. Section 69-g of the general business law, as amended by chapter 302 of the laws of 2007, is amended to read as follows:
§ 69-g. Records. 1. Such scrap processor shall record (i) each purchase of any pig or pigs of metal, bronze or brass castings or parts thereof, sprues or gates or parts thereof, utility wire or brass car journals, or of metal beer kegs, and (ii) each purchase of iron, steel and/or nonferrous scrap for a price of fifty dollars or more, and preserve such record for a period of three years; which record shall show the date of purchase, name of seller, his residence address by street, number, city, village or town, the license plate number of the motor vehicle driven by the seller at the time of transaction, the driver's license number or information from a government issued photographic identification card, if any, of such person, or by such description as will reasonably locate the seller, the type and quantity of such purchase; and the scrap processor shall cause such record to be signed by the seller or his agent. It shall be unlawful for any seller to refuse to furnish such information or to furnish incorrect or incomplete information. Such scrap processor shall also make and retain a copy of the government issued photographic identification card used to verify the identity of the person from whom the scrap metal was purchased and shall retain this copy in a separate book, register or electronic archive for two years from the date of purchase.
EXPLANATION--Matter in italics (underscored) is new; matter in brackets
[ ] is old law to be omitted.
LBD02632-01-9
S. 585 2
2. Such records shall be available for inspection by the police department of the state or the municipality in which the establishment is located.
§ 2. This act shall take effect immediately.
Reflowed for reading: line numbers and page breaks removed. Cite the official text.
Sponsor's memo
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.
Section 2 establishes the effective date.
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
2011-12: S.7321 Referred to Consumer Protection 2013-14: S.536 Referred to Consumer Protection 2015-16: S.749 Referred to Consumer Protection 2017-18: S.1838 Referred to Consumer Protection
Fiscal implications
To be determined.
Effective date
Immediately
Summaries, headlines and scores are AI-generated from the official bill text. How we score bills. Source: NYS Open Legislation.