BILL ANALYSIS �
AB 2003
Page 1
ASSEMBLY THIRD READING
AB 2003 (Torres)
As Introduced February 23, 2012
Majority vote
BUSINESS & PROFESSIONS 9-0
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|Ayes:|Hayashi, Bill Berryhill, | | |
| |Allen, Butler, Eng, | | |
| |Hagman, Hill, Ma, Smyth | | |
|-----+--------------------------+-----+--------------------------|
| | | | |
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SUMMARY : Requires junk dealers and recyclers to provide payment to
sellers of nonferrous material by mailed check only, as specified.
EXISTING LAW :
1)Requires junk dealers and recyclers, as defined, to keep written
records of all sales and purchases made in the course of their
business.
2)Prohibits a junk dealer or a recycler from providing payment for
nonferrous material, as defined, unless the payment is made by
cash or check, the check is mailed or the cash or check is
provided no earlier than three days after the date of sale, and
other specified requirements are met.
FISCAL EFFECT : Unknown. This bill is keyed non-fiscal by the
Legislative Counsel.
COMMENTS : According to the author, "The copper crime wave continues
to be a problem not only in California, but across the nation.
According to a report from the National Insurance Crime Bureau,
thefts of copper and other metals have increased 81%, driven by
rising prices for the stolen recyclables. A total of 25,083 theft
claims of copper, bronze, brass and aluminum were submitted in the
three years ending December 31, 2011. 96% of the thefts were
copper. California ranks 4th in the nation generating the most
metal theft insurance claims with 1,348. The theft of metal from
homes, utilities and public areas has negative effects on families,
public safety, business and agriculture. AB 2003 assists law
enforcement in catching copper thieves by requiring recyclers to
AB 2003
Page 2
issue check payments for metal recycling."
AB 844 (Berryhill), Chapter 731, Statutes of 2008, required junk
dealers and recyclers to comply with additional recordkeeping
requirements and new payment restrictions when purchasing nonferrous
materials. Junk dealers were now prohibited from providing payment
for nonferrous materials unless he or she obtained a copy of the
seller's driver's license, a photo or video of the material being
purchased, and a thumbprint of the seller. Additionally, payment
was restricted to a check mailed to the seller or by cash or check
to be collected by the seller three days after the date of sale.
This bill removes the provision allowing junk dealers and recyclers
to provide payment by cash or check three days after the sale and
instead requires that the junk dealer or recycler mail the check to
the seller, as specified.
Analysis Prepared by : Rebecca May / B.,P. & C.P. / (916) 319-3301
FN: 0003381