People who sell scrap metal won't get an immediate payoff under legislation that has cleared the General Assembly.
The measure requires people who sell copper and other recyclable metals to be paid by check that would be sent by mail, a move that could give police names and addresses if the metals are later found to be stolen.
The House voted 92-0 Monday for final passage of the bill, which now goes to Gov. Steve Beshear to be signed into law. The bill's sponsor, Democratic state Rep. Tanya Pullin of South Shore, said metal thieves have taken guardrails, manhole covers, catalytic converters, utility lines and even rooftop air conditioning units. Nationwide, copper thefts are estimated to cost businesses $1 billion a year.
