HB 5836 Summary

• Requires second hand and junk dealers to post signage displaying their name and occupation at their place of business.

• Mandates dealers maintain detailed records of all transactions including item descriptions, serial numbers, seller identification, date/time, transaction numbers, and payment method; records must be in English and open to law enforcement inspection.

• Establishes requirement for dealers to electronically transmit transaction information to a statewide database maintained by the Department of State Police within 48 hours of purchase, including customer information, item details, and thumbprints.

• Requires dealers to retain purchased articles for at least 15 days in an accessible location with attached tags bearing transaction numbers before disposal; exception applies to items from established businesses.

• Increases penalties for violations from 6 months/up to $1,000 to up to 1 year imprisonment or $1,000 fine; reduces maximum prison time for stolen scrap metal offenses from 5 years to 2 years and caps fines at $5,000; implements annual database fee of up to $250 per licensed location.

• Takes effect January 1, 2015, contingent on enactment of HB 5835 and HB 5837.