FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
NEWS RELEASE
March 1, 2012
For More Information, contact:
Luther Strange
Joy Patterson (334) 242-7491
Alabama Attorney General
Suzanne Webb (334) 242-7351
Page 1 of 1
AG ANNOUNCES HOUSE PASSAGE OF METAL THEFT BILL
(MONTGOMERY)–Attorney General Luther Strange announced that the
Alabama House of Representatives has approved a bill in his legislative package
to combat the proliferation of metal theft crimes in Alabama. The House voted
this afternoon 83 to 8 in favor of the bill.
“Criminals are striking at homes, small businesses, churches, schools, and
sometimes even defacing graves and memorials, wreaking serious damage
throughout Alabama to steal material that will be sold as scrap metal,” said
Attorney General Strange. “We need a strong law that gives law enforcement
effective tools to fight this increasingly widespread problem.”
House Bill 278 is sponsored by Rep. Bill Poole. A companion bill, SB 35,
sponsored by Sen. Ben Brooks and Rep. Cam Ward, has passed the Senate and
has been assigned to the House Judiciary Committee.
This legislation arises from concerns expressed to the Attorney General by
manufacturers, secondary recyclers, business, law enforcement, church leaders,
and others who have been impacted by metal theft. It provides for a statewide
digital database to be created and maintained by the Alabama Criminal Justice
Information Center. In addition, the bill increases criminal penalties, puts limits
on case transactions, and provides other safeguards.
“I am pleased to have passed HB 278 out of the House today,” said Rep.
Poole. “This bill will make a statement that we will not tolerate the damage and
destruction to our churches, schools, businesses, homes, farm equipment and all
other property damaged by copper and metal theft. This bill provides law
enforcement with additional and vital tools needed to stop this destructive
activity. I look forward to continuing to move this important bill toward
enactment into law.”
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501 Washington Avenue Montgomery, AL 36104 (334) 242-7300
www.ago.alabama.gov
