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Senate passes metal theft bill
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Senate Bill 321, known as the "Metal Theft Bill," passed this week 44-5. The bill would place new requirements on the recycler and those who bring items in for payment. The secondary metal recycler must obtain a permit from the local sheriff to purchase regulated metal property. Sheriffs will also create an electronic database.

There are also certain restrictions on who can bring in items such as copper and aluminum coils from air conditioning units. It will require not only descriptions of the items brought in and the name and address of the person bringing them in, but a digital photograph and/or video showing the metal item. This type of information will be given to the local county sheriff and put into the database. 

Another key component to the bill is the 14-day hold on payment for items brought in. The metal recycler can pay only by check or electronic funds and must be sent to the address of the individual who brought the item in unless they are working for a business entity and it will be sent to that address.

If the local sheriff has reason to believe the item is stolen, he can place a hold on the item. This will help those who report metal theft to be able to contact the local sheriff’s office and to see if any matching items have been brought in for recycling. The sheriff can return the item to its owner, go after the thieves, and the recycler will not have lost the monies they gave for the stolen metal property. These restrictions do not affect aluminum cans.

The bill now goes to the House. Eventually, both bodies must agree on a bill.

 

Bills passed out of the Senate

SB 176 –

SB 238

SB 293 –

SB 346

SB 350

SB 372 –

SB 403 –

SB 424

SB 427

SB 429

SB 441

SB 448

SR 590 –

HB 800

 

If you would like additional information regarding a specific piece of legislation, you may access the Georgia General Assembly Web site at http://www.legis.ga.gov.

 

I may be reached at

234 State Capitol, Atlanta, GA 30334

(404) 656-5038 (phone)

(404) 657-7094 (fax)

E-mail at Jack.Hill@senate.ga.gov

Or call toll-free at

1-800-367-3334 day or night

 Reidsville office: (912) 557-3811

 

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