FRANKFORT, Ky. (AP) -- Scrap yards would be barred from paying cash for copper and other recyclable metals, under legislation that cleared the Senate Wednesday.
The measure requires people who sell scrap metal to be paid by check that would be sent by mail, a move that could give police names and addresses if the metals are later found to be stolen.
The Senate voted 33-0 for the bill, which now returns to the House for final passage.
The bill's sponsor, Democratic state Rep. Tanya Pullin of South Shore, said metal thieves have taken guardrails, manhole covers, catalytic converters, utility lines, even rooftop air conditioning units. Nationwide, copper thefts are estimated to cost businesses $1 billion-a-year.
The legislation is House Bill 390.
See how someone tried to steal copper in Glasgow, in this week's edition of Crime Stoppers on this web site.
