HB 6027 Summary

• Expands the "Nonferrous Metal Regulatory Act" to regulate both ferrous and nonferrous metals and scrap metals, renaming it the "Ferrous Metal and Nonferrous Metal Regulation and Scrap Metal Offenders Registration Act."

• Requires dealers purchasing metal to maintain detailed transaction records, check a scrap metal offenders registry, tag and hold suspicious items for 7 days, pay sellers via traceable methods (not cash), and collect a $1.00 regulatory fee per transaction.

• Establishes a public "Scrap Metal Offenders Registry" maintained by the Department of State Police containing names, photos, fingerprints, addresses, and conviction details of individuals convicted of scrap metal theft offenses.

• Requires individuals convicted of scrap metal offenses to register with local law enforcement within 30 days, pay a $50.00 registration fee (with fee waivers available for indigent individuals), and register annually thereafter.

• Creates criminal penalties including felony charges (up to 5 years imprisonment and $5,000-$10,000 fines) for knowingly buying or selling stolen metal, and establishes a private right of action allowing treble damages for victims of metal theft violations.