An Oklahoma House Committee on Wednesday approved a metal theft act named in honor of slain Tulsa police Sergeant Craig Johnson.
The Sgt. Craig Johnson Metal Theft Act was passed 9-0 out of the House Judiciary-Criminal Committee and sent to the full House for a vote.
Rep. Carol Bush, R-Tulsa said House Bill 1001 carried Johnson’s name because he served as the lead on a statewide coalition developing the legislation before he was shot and killed during a traffic stop last June.
“Sergeant Johnson was a key to this important legislation that would help us curb scrap metal theft in our state,” Bush said.
The bill seeks to clarify the data required to be maintained by a scrap metal dealer. Any federally recognized identification card could be used, and a vehicle identification number must recorded if no license plate is affixed. The measure also requires a digital image of the items purchased and of the seller. Records must be maintained for no less than two years from the date of the transaction.
The bill removes separate requirements for recording data about purchases of scrap metal under 35 pounds and of purchases 35 pounds and over. Requirements that a seller prove their ownership of a used motor vehicle, trailer or recreational vehicle when selling to a scrap metal dealer are clarified. The person selling must provide either a certificate of title, a notarized power of attorney from the individual on the title authorizing the seller to dispose of the vehicle on their behalf, or a statement of ownership from the seller accompanied by a bill of sale from the lawful owner.
Finally, HB 1001 places any copper wire that is four gauge or larger and any copper wire from which the insulation or coating has been burned or melted, as well as remote storage batteries, under the provisions of the Scrap Metal Dealers Act.
Johnson and rookie officer Aurash Zarkeshan were shot at about during an early-morning traffic stop. Zarkeshan was critically wounded but survived. The gunman and two others were eventually arrested.
