HB 5490 Summary

• Amends the "Nonferrous Metal Regulatory Act" and renames it the "Scrap Metal Regulatory Act" to expand regulation beyond nonferrous metals to all scrap metal and scrap metal dealers.

• Requires scrap metal dealers to pay sellers only by check or money order mailed within 3 business days to a street address, prohibiting cash payments and barter transactions.

• Mandates scrap metal dealers maintain detailed purchase transaction records including seller information, vehicle license plate, date/time, metal description, weight, photographs, payment method, signed ownership statement, and thumbprint of seller.

• Prohibits scrap metal dealers from purchasing from sellers under 16 years old and requires sellers to present government-issued photo identification and attest they have not been convicted of theft, conversion, or sale of scrap metal.

• Requires scrap metal dealers to retain purchase records for at least 1 year in accessible locations for law enforcement inspection, with exemptions for industrial or commercial customers meeting specific conditions including traceable payment and periodic information validation every 2 years.