MS SB2545

Expands scrap metal dealer registration requirements to include disclosure of felony convictions and misdemeanor offenses involving fraud, dishonesty, or deceit within five years of application; applicants with such convictions may be prohibited from registering for five years.

Requires scrap metal dealers to maintain records for dealer-to-dealer transactions including selling dealer name and address, date and place of acquisition, description of metal property, and consideration given.

Prohibits the sale of copper telecommunication wire unless the seller is a licensed electrician, contractor, or demolition permit holder; burned wire requires certification from a firefighter or law enforcement officer that the source was a fire-destroyed building.

Creates new requirements for purchase of detached catalytic converters, including verification that the converter came from a vehicle, a licensed dealer, or documentation of removal with vehicle identification number and seller identification; makes such purchases unlawful without compliance.

Increases criminal penalties for metal property violations, including minimum imprisonment terms of one year for violations exceeding $5,000 and three years for violations exceeding $25,000, plus higher fines; establishes that state law preempts local ordinances governing metal property transactions.