Oklahoma House Bill HB2230

Oklahoma 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/6/23
• Refer: 2/7/23

Caption

Scrap dealers; requiring certain delay of payment for certain items sold; requiring retention of certain copy for certain period of time; effective date.

Impact

The implications of HB2230 on state laws include the modification of the existing legal framework governing scrap metal transactions. The bill necessitates that all transactions of specific items, deemed as regulated, include documentation that proves ownership from the seller. Additionally, the bill mandates that dealers cannot buy these items unless they are delivered in motor vehicles, further tightening the loopholes which may allow for illicit sales. The implementation date set for November 1, 2023, will require scrap metal dealers to adapt promptly to these changes, underscoring the importance of compliance with the new regulations.

Summary

House Bill 2230 proposes amendments to the Oklahoma Scrap Metal Dealers Act, specifically targeting regulations around the purchase and sale of scrap metal. It establishes new mandatory protocols for scrap metal dealers, which include requirements for proof of ownership and the retention of seller identification records. This bill is intended to discourage the sale of stolen metal items by imposing stricter controls on scrap dealers, ultimately aiming to promote ethical transactions in the scrap metal market.

Contention

While supporters of the bill argue that it is a necessary step towards reducing theft and illegal sales of scrap metal, opponents may raise concerns regarding the operational burdens it places on legitimate scrap dealers. There could be apprehensions about how extensive the documentation requirements might be for smaller operators, and whether such regulations might inadvertently impede their business. The bill's focus on specific regulated items also invites debate on the need for continual updates to the list to reflect changing circumstances in the market.