ND SB2151

Scrap metal dealers must maintain business records for all purchases over $25, including date, time, location, metal description, weight, type, payment amount and method, seller's name and address, and photocopied government-issued identification.

Business records must be kept at the dealer's premises or another reasonably available location within North Dakota for seven years after each transaction.

Dealers cannot pay cash for scrap metal purchases over $1,000 and must use check or electronic transfer instead.

Willfully failing to comply with record-keeping requirements is a class B misdemeanor; possessing stolen scrap metal under $500 is a class A misdemeanor; possessing stolen scrap metal exceeding $500 is a class C felony.

The act becomes effective May 1, 2013, and exempts purchases from other scrap metal dealers, government agencies, metal manufacturers, and utilities that provide proof of ownership.