Burchett consumer protection bill debated in Senate Commerce Committee

(NASHVILLE, TN), February 27, 2008 -- The Senate Commerce Committee debated legislation this week sponsored by Senator Tim Burchett (R-Knoxville), aimed at reducing auto theft in Tennessee.  The bill would require scrap metal processors who purchase vehicles with the intention of dismantling or salvaging them to provide proof of ownership. 

 “Right now, thieves can steal a car, strip the motor and transmission out, sell the wheel and tires, and then take it to a scrap metal dealer and get several hundred dollars for the automobile’s body,” said Sen. Burchett.  “Present law makes it far too easy to fence stolen cars.  This legislation requires those who scrap cars to get identification and a title from the seller, and to keep a record of the transaction for later review.”

Under the bill as amended by the Committee, any scrap metal dealer purchasing a motor vehicle less than five years old must be given a title by the seller.  Any vehicle bought over five years old which does not contain the motor or is inoperable, would not require a title but must have a written statement signed by the seller or their agent stating they have a lawful right to sell and dispose of the vehicle.  The title must be accompanied by a photo copy of the seller’s driver’s license.  It also requires records on those transactions be kept for five years, including the name and address of the buyer and the amount they paid for the vehicle, date of sale, description of the auto, VIN number, and the license plate number of any vehicle transporting the automobile. 

If the seller does not have the identification prescribed in the bill, the sale could not be completed.  Those found guilty of violation would be subject to a class A misdemeanor. Any vehicle used to transport a vehicle sold in violation of the act could also be subject to confiscation under the legislation.      

Burchett said the records allows for inspection by law enforcement in cases of suspected auto theft.  “It will serve as a deterrent when thieves realize that they cannot steal and strip a car, and then sell the body to be crushed before law enforcement can trace their steps,” Burchett concluded.

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