Criminal Law Changes The new EESHB 1552 changes crimes & punishments to include persons who do damage to property while stealing scrap metal. It also defines some material commonly targeted by metal thieves, such as "commercial metal". This will include non-ferrous metals and catalytic converters. Definitions of Material Commercial Metal Property: Utility access covers, street light poles & fixtures, guardrails, street signs, traffic lights, any property marked with commercial names such as telephone, mobile radio services, cable, electric, water, gas, and other utility or railroad services. This would still also include, new construction materials such as copper pipe & wiring, aluminum wire, downspouts, gutters, siding, aluminum decking, bleachers & risers. Statues or plaques, grave markers & funeral vases, irrigation pipe, sprinklers, and irrigation wheels. Non-Ferrous Metal Property: All property which the value of the material is derived from copper, brass, aluminum, bronze, lead, zinc, nickel & their alloys. Precious Metals: Gold, silver and platinum Private Metal Property: All catalytic converters. Definitions of Recyclers & Peddlers Scrap Metal Processor: A person with a current business license who operates in a fixed place of business who purchases or receives material for resale. Would have a baler, shear, or shredder. Scrap Metal Recycler: A person with current business license who operates a fixed place of business who purchases or receives material for resale to another scrap metal business. Scrap Metal Supplier: A person with current business license who operates a WITHOUT a fixed place of business who purchases or receives material for resale to another scrap metal business. All three of these business classifications would have to have a NEW scrap metal business license. This license will cost $1,000.00. You are also required to file a surety bond with the State of Washington for $10,000.00. Also all vehicles used to transport or deliver scrap metal must have additional "scrap" license plates. These will cost $5.00. It specifically states in the new law that it is illegal to engage in the business of selling scrap metal without having applied for and received the scrap metal license. Changes to Payment Proceedure With Cameras: If the recycling center chooses to install cameras to capture images of all material purchased, then the recycling center can pay all customers $30 cash AND the balance in a check at the time of the sale. Still images of material must be saved for 2 years, or video must be saved for 30 days. Without Cameras: Nothing can be paid for with cash. All material (cans, newspapers exempt) MUST be paid by check, and the recycling center must hold the check for 3 days. Changes to Lockout List We are still provided with a list of people who have been convicted of crimes involving drugs, robbery, burglary, theft, or possession/receiving/trafficking stolen property. Washington State will implement a state-wide "no buy list". The other change to this is that the background check will only go back for 4 years instead of the current 10 year period. Other Changes Commercial Account Records must be saved for 3 years. No ISRI codes required. If lost/stolen property is reported to police, then scrap yards are released of any liability. Any and all other ordanances or laws regarding scrap metal recycling are null and void. Scrap yard must sign up and receive ISRI's theft alert system. Washington State can now seize property, vehicles, and real estate property for those violating the new laws.