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.
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