New Metal Theft Bill

The Michigan Senate Thursday gave final approval to a measure to help deter metal theft. The bill, which now goes to the governor for his signature, would require that metal recyclers not offer cash for three commonly-stolen items: catalytic converters, copper wire and air conditioning units. Rather, they would have to pay for these items with small on-the-spot debit card transactions. If the total topped $25, metal scrappers would have to mail out checks. The legislation represents a compromise. Last year, similar legislation stalled after the Senate nixed language that would have mandated that scrap yards wait three days to pay sellers. Supporters of the original measure said it would deter criminals and prevent them from realizing a quick fix, but opponents were concerned the measure would have gone too far, saying it would inhibit legitimate businesses.