Senate discusses bill requiring a license to sell scrap copper 

The Minnesota Senate committee on Commerce and Consumer Protection discussed a piece of legislation that aims to combat copper theft, as Minnesota cities and townships continue to deal with theft of copper wiring in their equipment. Bill author Senator Sandy Pappas explains how her bill works. 

Senator Jeff Howe voiced his concerns with the bill believing that it punishes people recycling it legally. He also believes that it could lead to a big decrease in copper recycling as a whole. 

Senator Pappas fired back at Howe saying the money lost from selling copper is worth it. She also left the door open for potential changes that would allow smaller sales without a license. 

The Commerce and Consumer Protection did pass the bill which sends it to the Senate Finance Committee.