Pa. lawmakers crack down on metal sales

HARRISBURG - The Pennsylvania legislature has approved a bill that would attempt to crack down on the theft of cars, manhole covers and other metal items to be sold for scrap.

The bill passed the House, 195-2, and is headed to Gov. Rendell.

Recyclers and processors are doing brisk business with metal prices skyrocketing because of demand in developing countries and a tight economy here.

Under the bill, scrap-metal dealers would have to keep records identifying people who sell them more than $100 worth of scrap.

In addition, they could buy certain items, such as new construction materials and beer kegs, only from businesses or government agencies, not individual people.