Summary of New Laws Impacting Metal Recycling Entities
SB 1646 Effective Immediately (May 30, 2025)
Caption: Relating to criminal conduct involving the theft or unauthorized possession of copper or brass and to the sale of copper or brass material to metal recycling entities.
- The bill prohibits metal recycling entities from acquiring copper or brass from sellers unless the seller is acting in the ordinary course of business or has apparent authority for the transaction. Metal recycling entities must keep detailed records of each transaction involving copper or brass.
- The Department is required to develop educational and training materials with industry representatives to identify stolen metals and property. The training is to be available to metal recycling entities.
- The Department is required to conduct a study on the effects of legislation on incidents of theft of copper or brass materials and the extent of coordination and compliance of metal recycling entities with preventing and reporting theft. The Department will make the report available on the agency’s website.