Guam to discuss pair of bills to deter copper and scrap metal theft

ALBANY (Scrap Monster): The Guam legislature is to discuss today, a pair of legislative bills aimed to put an end to theft of copper wire and scrap metal. The bills-395 and 404, introduced by Senator Brant McCreadie, proposes stricter operating guidelines for scrap metal units and imposes heavier fines for not complying with the rules.

According to McCreadie, the bills are intended to deter people from stealing copper wire and scrap metal. It also aims to keep scrap metal businesses honest.

As per Bill 395, the businesses are required to maintain proper records of scrap transactions. The first violation of this requirement will result in huge fine of $20,000 and 90-days suspension of business license. Upon second violation, the business will have to pay additional $20,000 and fines. Further, the operating license of the firm shall be suspended for a period of one year. The third violation will lead to permanent cancellation of license.

Bill 404 states that scrap metal businesses can buy materials only from persons in possession of government issued identification certificate. The materials must also have satisfactory Certificate of Inspection from the Department of Revenue and Taxation. Moreover, customers who buy scrap metal from a business are required to sign a receipt, stating that the items being purchased are, to the best of their knowledge, not stolen.