This bill will regulate scrap metal processors to be licensed the same way Michigan regulates second hand shops and junk dealers.

Below is Sen. Thomas' release on the bill:

Legislation Deals With Copper Theft Epidemic

DETROIT—Citing the danger that the theft of copper wire is having on Michigan’s citizens, Senate Democratic Floor Leader Buzz Thomas (D-Detroit) introduced a bill yesterday that would more closely watch scrap metal processors.

“My bill will help law enforcement curb this awful epidemic by placing a more watchful eye on scrap metal processors,” Thomas said. “Most of these businesspeople are honest, but we must make sure that they are not endangering lives by dealing in illegal copper.”

The theft of copper in metro Detroit and other regions of the state and nation has reached epidemic proportions. Air conditioners have been ravaged. Phone lines have been removed from telephone poles. Construction sites must have full-time security to protect materials. Yesterday’s front page story in the Detroit Free Press quoted the Wayne County Prosecutor’s concern that theft of phone lines for copper could jeopardize EMS service.

“It is not acceptable to sell a used car without proper title and it should not be legal dealing with scrap metal without proving lawful ownership,” Thomas said. “Obviously, with the increasing value of copper people will still attempt to steal it, but the state needs to tell people that we are serious in making sure that your scrap is clean and legal and sold legally.”

Senate Bill 720 will regulate scrap metal processors to be licensed the same way Michigan regulates second hand shops and junk dealers. It also requires:

--Local government to establish licensing fees;

--Processors to provide written records of all transactions which is provided to law enforcement every Monday; and

--Any material purchased must be kept for 15 days.

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