New Jersey Copper Theft Bill Vetoed
Efforts to crack down on copper theft suffered a setback in New Jersey with the veto of a bill that would have required scrap dealers to keep records of their purchases, according to an article from ECT.coop.
Under the bill, recyclers would have to send electronic purchase records to the state police or face a fine of $10,000 per violation. It also would have required sellers to be photographed and give a thumbprint in order to receive payment in case, or payments would have to be made by check.
However, in his Sept. 9 veto statement, Gov. Chris Christie wrote that the bill “creates a host of new regulations purporting to deter theft” of scrap metals.”
“Deterring scrap metal theft in New Jersey is a laudable objective. However, I am concerned that significantly increasing recordkeeping and reporting requirements on scrap metal businesses will impose substantial expanses and administrative burdens on operators in this state,” wrote Christie, a former federal prosecutor.
“Businesses that abide by the law, especially our state’s small business community, should not be penalized with overly burdensome requirements,” he added.
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