Topeka ? Legislators are responding to an increase in scrap metal thefts by proposing a bill that would require dealers to record a seller’s name and address from government-issued photo identification.

But a Lawrence recycling center owner isn’t in favor of the measure, saying he believes the plan will deter legitimate customers.

“If people bring in two bags of cans and I’m hitting them up for a thumbprint, they’re offended,” Lonnie Faler said.

Faler’s recycling center provides a legitimate way to make money from metals.

“People don’t realize that if they’re out here stealing, like copper, it could be a felony real fast,” he said.

The problem has grown nationwide as the price of scrap copper climbs above $2 per pound and other metals, such as aluminum and brass, experience an increase in demand. Thieves target everything from automobiles to parts from electrical substations.

Supporters say the bill, passed by the Kansas House and awaiting action in the Senate, would make it easier for law enforcement to track suspects.

“Generally speaking, we leave the bill-making to the Legislature and we’ll do our best to enforce it,” said Maj. John Sidwell of the Topeka Police Department. “Anything we can do to reduce the amount of scrap metal that is being stolen will be helpful.”

The proposal is similar to measures under consideration in Illinois, Hawaii, Texas and Washington. The Arizona House this week approved a proposal that restricts on-the-spot payments for large purchases of scrap metal by a 55-2 vote.

A previous version of the bill in Kansas would have required scrap metal dealers to tag each load they purchase by dealer, then house it for 15 days to ensure it wasn’t stolen.

But while the new version puts less administrative burden on dealers, Jim Starkey of Till-Star Enterprises in Topeka said lawmakers are still not doing their “homework” as they pass legislation.

“I’m not opposed to them trying to slow down the crime,” said Starkey, who didn’t know of any dealers who have been approached about the problem. “I’m questioning whether they have the correct information to make an evaluation of the situation.”

Stan Morris of L&M Northside Recycling in Topeka said the new version of the bill appears to be a reasonable approach. He is already telling customers they need to be prepared to show a photo ID.

“I don’t think it’s going to be too big a problem,” Morris said. “It’s going to be manageable. It’s going to be a little more record keeping, but I think we’re going to be all right with it.”