HCS SCS SB 1034 & 802 -- SCRAP METAL

This bill changes the laws regarding the sale or theft of scrap
metal.  In its main provisions, the bill:

(1)  Requires purchasers of scrap metal to keep a record of each
transaction including a copy of a driver's license or a federally
or state-issued photo identification from the seller which
contains a current address; the date, time, and place of
delivery; and a description and weight of all metals purchased.
Scrap metal includes any copper, brass, bronze, aluminum wire,
cable, pipe, tubing, bar, ingots, rod, fitting, fastener, or
farming material containing copper or aluminum.  Records are
required to be kept for a minimum of 24 months and must be
available for inspection by law enforcement.  Any person
violating this provision will be guilty of a class A misdemeanor.
Transactions not exceeding $50, transactions between scrap metal
dealers and businesses or political subdivisions with a fixed
business location, or transactions where the metal is a minor
part of a larger item except for equipment used in the generation
and transmission of electrical power or telecommunications are
exempt from the record-keeping requirement;

(2)  Requires scrap metal dealers to make any payment of $500 or
more by check, electronic transfer, or any other method in which
a financial institution maintains a record of the transaction
unless the seller has an existing business relationship with the
scrap metal dealer and the seller is an established business or
political subdivision with a fixed location;

(3)  Prohibits scrap metal dealers from purchasing metal beer
kegs of six gallons or more unless purchasing them from the
brewer or its representative.  Any person violating this
provision will be guilty of a class A misdemeanor punishable only
by fine;

(4)  Prohibits scrap metal dealers from purchasing items such as
cemetery monuments, manhole covers, street signs, bleachers, or
guardrails that are identifiable as belonging to a cemetery,
monument owner, political subdivision, electric cooperative, or
utility.  Any person violating this provision will be guilty of a
class B misdemeanor; and

(5)  Specifies that any person who steals or appropriates any
wire, electrical transformer, metallic wire associated with
transmitting telecommunications, or any other device or pipe
associated with conducting electricity or transporting natural
gas or other combustible fuel will be guilty of a class C felony.

Missouri House of Representatives
94th General Assembly, 2nd Regular Session
Last Updated October 15, 2008 at 3:13 pm