Senate panel OKs bill targeting scrap metal thefts

By Associated Press

For the AJC

A Georgia Senate panel has approved a bill targeting scrap metal theft that places more requirements on recyclers and requires sellers of used cars 20 years or older without a title to prove ownership.

Sen. Renee Unterman, who sponsored the bill, says the legislation is needed to address a problem that has grown more severe as the economy has worsened.

Under the proposal, recyclers would have to make digital photos or videos of the metal and obtain from the seller a signed statement, a scan or photocopy of the seller's identification, a thumbprint and the vehicle identification number.

It is the fourth time in five years that the General Assembly has addressed metal theft in the state, and several legislators say they have been personally affected by the issue.