Kansas' new bill proposes jail term for scrap metal thefts

LAWRENCE (Scrap Monster): The State of Kansas conducted hearing on a bill that proposes tough punishments for scrap metal theft. The hearing conducted by the Senate Judiciary Committee, received widespread support from government and business leaders. Those who testified include law enforcement officials and representatives of utility companies.

It was noted that the existing laws were inadequate to address the issue of scrap metal thefts. Scrtap thieves cause millions of dollars in damage to public and private property every year. The damage caused to the property due to stolen metal often exceeds the value of the stolen item. Acording to the proposed bill, the first time offenders will have to serve 11 to 34 months in jail if convicted of theft. The bill also proposes jail term of more than 11 years to repeat offenders.

The legislation also proposes setting up of a database by the Kansas Attorney General’s Office to track metal sales. This comprehensive database would help track the stolen material, when sold to scrap dealers and recycling centers.

Kansas Association of Chiefs of Police, the Kansas Sheriffs’ Association and the Kansas Peace Officers Association have welcomed the new legislation. However, concerns were raised during the hearing that the new bill would increase paperwork for large metal recyclers who indulge in hundreds and thousands of transactions per day. Also, the bill invited criticism from Senate Majority Leader Terry Bruce who argued that the proposed punishments were extreme.

The new legislation is being considered as the most wide-ranging bill ever offered that could bring down scrap metal thefts at dramatic rates.