Mississippi State Law Aims to Combat Scrap Metal Theft

SEATTLE (Scrap Monster): The new Mississippi law aimed at curbing scrap metal thefts in the state is set to take effect starting July 1, 2022. House Bill 495 revises the penalties for violations of purchase transactions for scrap metal.

According to the new law, all records shall be maintained by the scrap metal dealer or purchaser for not less than two years from the date of the purchase transaction. Also, such records shall be made available to any law enforcement officer during usual and customary business hours.

The scrap metal purchaser is required to hold the metal property separate and identifiable from other purchases for not less than three business days from the date of purchase. The metal property must be photographically captured in the same form, without change. This must be maintained for a period of not less than two years.

Any person who wilfully or knowingly violates the provisions of the bill would be deemed guilty and shall be punished by a fine of not less than $5,000 per offense, in addition to being imprisoned for a term not less than 2 years, but not more than 5 years, or both. Any person found guilty of knowingly stealing metal property or receiving stolen metal property shall be ordered to make full restitution to the victim.

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