The House of Representatives passed legislation reforming how scrap metal companies deal with vehicles in their possession.
Representative Vince Dean (R—East Ridge) filed House Bill 2437 in order to ensure scrap metal processors in Tennessee exercise due diligence before crushing abandoned vehicles that have been sold to them. In far too many cases, individuals who own the cars were not provided enough time to act and save their property. The bill passed the House unanimously on a 96-0 vote.
“This is a slight tweak to the law that will help prevent a lot of heartache,” said Rep. Dean. “We’ve had cars stolen in Tennessee and taken to scrap metal companies so the thieves can make a quick profit. If this bill becomes law, we’ll make sure these companies look a little more closely into the background of these vehicles before taking action.”
HB 2437 ensures a car must be on a lot for at least three business days from the date of purchase and that the scrap metal company's National Motor Vehicle Title System Information System identification number must be included in the record that the purchaser is required to maintain for three years. To see the text of the legislation, click
here.