HB 582 Summary

• Requires copper property peddlers to obtain an annual $45 license from their municipality or county, with applicants subject to background checks and disqualification for theft-related convictions within 24 months.

• Mandates scrap metal dealers maintain real-time electronic records for copper, brass, bronze, and aluminum transactions including seller ID, date, time, amount paid, vehicle license plate, and business/peddler license information; records must be kept for three years.

• Prohibits cash payments for copper property and HVAC components unless seller has valid business or trade license; unlicensed sellers must receive checks mailed to their address.

• Establishes criminal penalties including fines of at least $500 and up to 90 days imprisonment for knowingly selling stolen metals or willfully damaging property to obtain scrap metal; violations of record-keeping requirements are Class A misdemeanors.

• Restricts scrap metal dealers from purchasing catalytic converters except from vehicle repair shops, HVAC components without written authorization, or metals belonging to public entities without proper authorization; prohibits purchases from minors under age 18 except aluminum cans.