Honorable Patricia Harless, Chair, House Committee On Environmental Regulation
FROM:
Ursula Parks, Director, Legislative Budget Board
IN RE:
HB1769 by Geren (Relating to the regulation of certain metal dealers; providing a criminal penalty.), As Introduced
No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.
The bill would amend the Occupations Code to require metal recycling entities to collect additional information from an individual selling valuable metal material to the entity. The bill would require dealers who engage in the business of purchasing and selling crafted precious metal to retain certain crafted precious metal items subject to reporting requirements for 21 days after the report is filed unless authorized to dispose of the item.
A crafted precious metals dealer could pay for a purchase of crafted precious metal by check or prepaid debit card. The bill would create a Class B misdemeanor offense if a person violates the provision. A Class B misdemeanor is punishable by a fine of not more than $2,000, confinement in jail for a term not to exceed 180 days, or both.
Local Government Impact
Costs associated with enforcement, prosecution and confinement could likely be absorbed within existing resources. Revenue gain from fines imposed and collected is not anticipated to have a significant fiscal implication.