WHEREAS, due to the substantial increase in the price of copper over the past two years, police departments across the country are reporting a drastic increase in the theft of copper materials that are sold to scrap dealers and recyclers; and

WHEREAS, copper thieves are targeting construction sites and outdoor air conditioning units for their copper pipes, tubing and condensors; and

WHEREAS, copper thieves have recently stolen air conditioning units from schools, churches, office buildings, and construction sites in Nashville; and

WHEREAS, T.C.A. § 38-1-203 requires that a record of transaction be kept for the sale of used jewelry or precious metals, which is sent to the police department on a daily basis; and

WHEREAS, such record of transaction includes a clear and accurate description of the jewelry or precious metals purchased, the date and amount paid for such items, and the name, race, and address of the seller; and

WHEREAS, requiring such a record of transaction for the sale of used copper materials would help curb the rampant theft of copper that is negatively impacting builders and property owners in Davidson County; and

WHEREAS, requiring scrap metal dealers to purchase copper tubing, electrical wiring or HVAC copper coils only from licensed general contractors, plumbers, electricians, and HVAC contractors would further reduce the theft of these copper materials; and

WHEREAS, on May 15, 2006, the Metropolitan Council adopted Resolution No. RS2006-1520 requesting the Davidson County Delegation to the Tennessee General Assembly to enact legislation to regulate the second-hand sale of copper; and

WHEREAS, since May 2006, theft of copper has escalated further in Davidson County, resulting in a substantial expense for many businesses and homeowners to replace their air conditioning units; and

WHEREAS, immediate legislative action is needed by the Tennessee General Assembly to address the problems associated with the theft of copper.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE METROPOLITAN GOVERNMENT OF NASHVILLE AND DAVIDSON COUNTY:

Section 1. That the Metropolitan County Council hereby goes on record as requesting the Davidson County Delegation to the Tennessee General Assembly to introduce and enact the necessary legislation to require metal recycling businesses and scrap metal dealers to maintain a record of transaction whenever copper materials are purchased from individuals, and to require proof of identification from the seller, fingerprints, and a statement regarding the origin of the materials. Such legislation should also prohibit scrap metal dealers from purchasing copper tubing, electrical wiring or HVAC copper coils from anyone other than a licensed general contractor, plumber, electrician, and HVAC contractor, after submitting valid identification.

Section 2. The Metropolitan Clerk is directed to send a copy of this Resolution to each member of the Davidson County Delegation to the Tennessee General Assembly.

Section 3. That this Resolution shall take effect from and after its adoption, the welfare of The Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County requiring it.

Sponsored by: Eric Crafton, Mike Jameson, Pam Murray