HB23 Alabama 2012 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

William Roberts

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2012

Title

Secondary metals recyclers, copper, purchases over certain amount, payment by check, holding period, copy of photo identification required, penalties, Secs. 13A-8-31, 13A-8-37 am'd.

Summary

The bill tightens copper purchases by secondary metals recyclers, requires delivery ID copies, and adds penalties including license revocation for repeat violations.

What This Bill Does

If passed, the bill lowers the cash payment limit for copper to $10 (and $1,000 for all other metals) and generally requires payment by check to the seller; for small deals the recycler may still pay in cash or check. It also requires recyclers to keep a copy of the buyer's government-issued photo ID and to record detailed information about each purchase for at least two years. The bill introduces civil penalties and a possible license revocation for repeat violations by recyclers, and it maintains criminal penalties for sellers who violate the metal-purchase rules, with penalties based on the value of the transactions.

Who It Affects

• Secondary metals recyclers: must follow stricter purchase-record-keeping, lower cash limits for copper, maintain photo ID copies, and face civil penalties or license revocation for violations.
• Individuals or entities selling metal to recyclers: subject to criminal penalties for illegal transactions (varying by transaction value) and potential civil penalties.

Key Provisions

• Amends Sections 13A-8-31 and 13A-8-37 to strengthen record-keeping for metal purchases, including requiring a copy of the photo ID of the person delivering the metal.
• Cash payment limits: no cash purchases over $10 for copper and over $1,000 for all other metals; payments generally by check payable to the seller, mailed or picked up; exception allowing cash/check for small transactions (copper ≤ $10 or other metals ≤ $1,000).
• Records must be kept for at least two years from the purchase date.
• Civil penalties for recyclers and potential license revocation after a third violation within five years.
• Sellers of metal face criminal penalties (Class A misdemeanor, Class C felony, or Class B felony) based on the total value of the transactions, plus possible restitution in sentencing.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 24, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Secondary Metals Recyclers