Bill bans paying cash for copper

Scrap metal recyclers would be banned from paying cash for used copper and could not sell brass, bronze and other nonferrous metals unless they obtain a permit from local authorities, according to a bill filed by Sen. Josh McKoon, R-Columbus.

Senate Bill 296 would also make it a crime to damage property while stealing metals, with consequences as high as 30 years in jail if the damage results in a person's death.

Utility companies especially have reported an increase in copper thefts over the past year, with some companies now offering a $3,000 reward for information that leads to a conviction. The companies say the problem is a public safety issue, that the thefts hurt electric systems' reliability and could cause outages. They have also said damaged substations and power lines could pose a danger of electrocution to anyone nearby, including utility workers.