SB35 Summary

• Secondary metals recyclers must maintain detailed records of all metal purchases including seller identification, weight, description, photographs, vehicle information, and signed ownership statements, with records retained for one year.

• All secondary metals recyclers must register with the Alabama Criminal Justice Information Center (ACJIC) within 30 days and pay an annual $250 registration fee; effective January 1, 2013, recyclers must report transaction data electronically to an ACJIC database by 9:00 P.M. daily.

• Establishes strict cash transaction limits: $50 maximum for copper and certain items, $500 maximum for other metals; prohibits purchases from minors under 18 and restricts purchases to 6:00 A.M. - 9:00 P.M. hours.

• Creates enhanced criminal penalties for violations ranging from Class B misdemeanor to Class B felony depending on offense type and value, and prohibits purchase of specific metal property including utility equipment, railroad materials, HVAC coils (with limited exceptions), cemetery markers, and painted/marked metal.

• Provides civil immunity for public and private metal property owners for injuries occurring during theft or attempted theft, and requires courts to order restitution including replacement costs and damages when sellers are convicted of theft-related offenses.