Scrap metal businesses, scrap metal processors, scrap metal recyclers, and scrap metal suppliers are regulated to provide protections against theft of private metal property, nonferrous metal property, and commercial metal property. These businesses must create an accurate and legible record of any transaction involving such metals which records the time and date of each transaction and identifying information concerning the seller and the seller's vehicle. Entities who sell metal to these businesses must have current government-issued picture identification. Upon request, these businesses must share these records with law enforcement. Businesses which have good cause to believe that private metal property, nonferrous metal property, or commercial metal property has been stolen have an obligation to promptly report this fact to law enforcement. 

State law defines commercial metal property as including utility access covers; street light poles and fixtures; road and bridge guardrails; highway or street signs; water meter covers; traffic directional and control signs; traffic light signals; any metal property marked with the name of a commercial enterprise, including but not limited to a telephone, commercial mobile radio services, cable, electric, water, natural gas, or other utility, or railroad; unused or undamaged building construction materials consisting of copper pipe, tubing, or wiring, or aluminum wire, siding, downspouts, or gutters; aluminum or stainless steel fence panels made from one inch tubing, forty-two inches high with four-inch gaps; aluminum decking, bleachers, or risers; historical markers; statue plaques; grave markers and funeral vases; or agricultural irrigation wheels, sprinkler heads, and pipes. 

The definition of commercial metal property is expanded to include components of electric vehicle charging equipment made available for commercial or public use.

PRO: The reason for this bill is that when I drive my electric vehicle, I am grateful the charging cord is still there. There will be 20 million charging ports by 2030. Charging ports have aluminum and copper, which are attractive targets for theft. The transportation network must be protected. The change in law will require the buyer of the scrap metal to take a higher level of interest in the seller's right to sell the material.