PITTSBURGH — New Jersey metal recyclers will have to obtain more transaction details, maintain records longer and could be banned from paying cash in some cases if changes to existing laws are enacted.

The stiffer regulations are aimed at decreasing scrap metal thefts in the state. State Sen. Donald Norcross (D., Camden/Gloucester) announced that bill S2162, which he sponsored in August, has been approved by the state Senate’s Commerce Committee.

Should the measure pass, payments would be limited to nontransferable checks that must be mailed. It would also require that deliveries be made in a vehicle and the license plate number be recorded.

When the amendment was introduced last summer, recyclers said they oppose the cash ban (amm.com, July 17), though a provision remains that would allow cash payments in certain instances.

“Customers who wish to be paid in cash must file their photograph and thumbprint with the scrap metal business, which is also to be kept on file for five years,” Norcross said in a statement.

If enacted, the changes would require recyclers to maintain records of every transaction for five years and submit copies to law enforcement at the close of each business day. Currently, records are only kept for purchases that exceed 100 pounds or $50.