Governor signs Hoffman bill creating task force on metal theft

Gov. Bruce Rauner on Thursday signed a bill sponsored by Rep. Jay Hoffman, D-Swansea, that creates a task force aimed at reducing thefts of recycleable metals.

House Bill 330 instructs the Secretary of State’s office to “establish a collaborative effort to combat recyclable metal theft throughout the state, assist in developing regional task forces to combat recyclable metal theft, and consider and develop long-term solutions for the rising problem of recyclable metal thefts.”

The bill was passed unanimously in the House and Senate. In the Senate, its sponsor was Sen. Bill Haine, D-Alton.

Hoffman said the legislation will unite legislators, law enforcement officials, utility providers and scrap-metal recyclers to combat this problem facing many southeastern Illinois communities.

“The theft of valuable metals such as copper from homes, businesses or from critical components of our infrastructure in the metro-east has become a major concern, and I am committed to making the voices of our communities heard in the Capitol,” Hoffman said.

He added, “When the metals we use to wire street lights, deliver water and electricity are stolen, it’s not only a nuisance, it can be dangerous. There are some cities that can’t keep traffic lights operating because the parts are so consistently stolen. This bill can bring together police, energy providers, metal dealers and lawmakers to craft a comprehensive solution.”

This story was originally published July 16, 2015 at 3:07 PM with the headline "Governor signs Hoffman bill creating task force on metal theft."