SB327 Alabama 2011 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Ben H. Brooks

Republican

Co-Sponsor

Rusty Glover

Session

Regular Session 2011

Title

Secondary metals recyclers, driver's license of seller and additional information, copy required to be maintained, notice to sheriff of proposed business site, inspections, purchase of bronze grave markers and catalytic converters limited, transport of motor vehicle without title across state line for sale to a recycler prohibited, penalties, Secs. 13A-8-31, 13A-8-35 am'd.

Summary

SB327 tightens Alabama rules for secondary metals recyclers by boosting record-keeping, sheriff notification and inspections, and adding limits and penalties on metal purchases and vehicle transfers.

What This Bill Does

Requires recyclers to keep detailed records of every metal purchase, including seller and delivery information and copies of IDs; if the person delivering is not the one paid, records must cover both. Data must be entered into a sheriff-approved database and transmitted within 24 hours. It requires notifying the county sheriff about the business location and allows inspections of the site. It also imposes limits on certain purchases (like catalytic converters) and adds restrictions on bronze memorial items and motor vehicles, with penalties for violations.

Who It Affects

• Secondary metals recyclers who must update procedures, maintain expanded records, notify the sheriff, allow inspections, comply with purchase limits, and follow vehicle/bronze-item rules.
• Sellers, vehicle owners, dealers, wreckers, scrap processors, cemeteries, and law enforcement who gain new duties and protections (ID requirements, cross-state transport rules, age restrictions, notices/permissions for bronze items) and may face penalties for violations.

Key Provisions

• Maintain legible records of all metal purchases with details such as recycler name/address, date, weight/description, amount paid, and copies of the deliverer's ID; if the deliverer is not the payer, records must cover both parties.
• Enter purchase information into a sheriff-approved database and transmit electronically within 24 hours.
• Provide written notice to the county sheriff about the business location and allow an inspection by the sheriff to ensure compliance.
• Limit to one catalytic converter per day from the same person, with exceptions for certain dealers or recyclers handling vehicles.
• Prohibit purchasing bronze cemetery objects unless the source is known and law enforcement notice is provided, requiring identifying details and a photo, plus written permission from the cemetery and law enforcement; violations can be a Class C felony.
• Prohibit purchases of metal property from anyone under 18.
• For motor vehicles, prohibit transporting a vehicle across state lines for sale to recyclers without a title; dealers/wreckers must photocopy IDs, titles, and bills of sale and keep records for at least three years; scrap processors must surrender the title to the Department of Revenue and keep records for at least five years, including VIN, seller info, ID copy, date, and surrendered title.
• Hold purchased vehicles for at least 48 hours before crushing or removing them from the yard.
• Establish criminal penalties for violations (e.g., Class A misdemeanor for under-18 purchases; Class C felony for bronze memorial item violations).
• Exemption note: the bill is described as exempt from local-funding requirements because it defines or amends a crime.
• Effective date: becomes law on the first day of the third month after final passage and governor approval.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 25, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Secondary Metals Recyclers