In 2008 the Missouri state legislature passed, and Governor Matt Blunt signed, legislation increasing penalties against those who steal commodity metals. Metal theft has become a growing problem on residential construction sites as the price of copper and other commodity metals has increased. For a summary of the bill history and contents, click here.
The new law takes effect on August 28, and it will be spotlighted at an event featuring a bipartisan gathering of legislators who helped push the bill through. Local law enforcement, contractors, utility providers, and citizen crime prevention groups will join Missouri state representatives Shane Schoeller (R-139), Sara Lampe (D-138), Mike Parson (R-133), and Jim Viebrock (R-134) to bring attention to the new law. HBA members and other interested and affected parties also are invited to attend.