A Georgia Senate panel has approved a bill targeting scrap metal theft that places more requirements on recyclers and requires sellers of used cars 20 years or older without a title to prove ownership.

Under the proposal, recyclers would have to make digital photos or videos of the metal and obtain from the seller a signed statement, a scan or photocopy of the seller's identification, a thumbprint and the vehicle identification number.

The bill’s sponsor, Sen. Renee Unterman (R-Buford), said the legislation is needed to address a problem that has grown more severe as the economy has worsened.

It is the fourth time in five years that the General Assembly has addressed metal theft in the state, and several legislators said they have been personally affected by the issue.

Tags: Renee Unterman, copper theft, copper, copper thieves, metal theft, 2012 General Assembly, metal recyclers