OH SB193

Requires scrap metal dealers and bulk merchandise container dealers to register with the director of public safety, with initial registration fee of $200 and annual renewal fee of $150.

Mandates dealers maintain detailed records (name, ID, photos, date/time, vehicle license plate) of all transactions, with records kept for one year until a statewide registry becomes operational, then 60 days thereafter.

Establishes a statewide registry database by January 1, 2014 to track scrap metal and bulk merchandise container transactions, accessible to law enforcement agencies for enforcement purposes.

Prohibits dealers from purchasing special purchase articles (beer kegs, grave markers, utility covers, grocery carts, railroad materials, etc.) or marked bulk merchandise containers without compliance with ownership verification, payment by check, and two-day payment withholding.

Increases penalties for violations from misdemeanor third degree to felony fifth degree for first offense, with felony fourth degree for second violation, and allows court to suspend registration for 90 days for repeated violations.