Responding to appeals from local governments and businesses to crack down on theft of scrap metal, the Assembly today passed AB 233, which will increase the penalties for stealing metals such as copper and aluminum from construction sites, street lights and even from homes.

AB 233, sponsored by Assembly Majority Leader John Oceguera, now goes to the Senate.

The bill would make it a felony to steal more than $500 in scrap metal. It would also make it a felony to damage or destroy property that has a value of more than $500 during a theft.

Oceguera worked with businesses, local governments and others impacted by the increase in scrap metal theft to craft the bill.

"Scrap metal theft has evolved into a serious problem that affects us all, especially taxpayers who have to replace expensive metal stolen from city street lights," Oceguera said. "This bill will protect taxpayers, businesses and homeowners by cracking down on this illegal activity."

Nevada would join several states that have imposed larger fines for scrap metal theft. In addition to increasing the penalties for the theft of scrap metal, AB 233 would:

* Require better record keeping by scrap metal processors to help law enforcement track stolen materials;
* Require scrap metal processors to pay for scrap metal purchases of more than $150 with a check that can be traced, rather than with cash;
* Require scrap metal processors to only conduct one transaction of less than $150 with the same seller on the same day.