Kansas lawmakers are considering new regulations aimed at combating metal theft. High prices for scrap metal have led to an increase in metal thefts in some areas. The bill would require all metal recycling facilities to get a permit to operate. Bud Burke is a lobbyist working on behalf of Advantage Metals Recycling, based in Kansas City. He says some companies might not want to come to Kansas, over fears that they would not be able to get permits to operate in the future.
A law passed in 2007 requires metal dealers to keep records of people turning in scrap metal. Supporters of the bill say it would help root out scrap metal recyclers who aren’t following the current law.