NASHVILLE (AP) - A proposal aimed at preventing theft of pricey metals like copper is moving through the Legislature.

The measure sponsored by Sen. Jim Kyle, D-Memphis, unanimously passed the Senate on Wednesday. Kyle says as the price of copper has increased over the years, so have the number of thefts.

Under the legislation, scrap metal dealers would be required to register with the state Department of Commerce and Insurance.

And the person the dealer is buying from must have a state or federally issued photo identification card and provide a thumbprint.

The companion legislation is in a House subcommittee.

Read the full text of SB2400 on the General Assembly's Web site at: http://www.legislature.state.tn.us

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