Much like the swell of copper wire theft that hit our state a few years ago due to the rising prices of scrap metal, the rise in gold and silver prices have created a growing number of home robberies. This has caused a situation where temporary “cash for gold” storefronts began to spring up in our communities, creating a market for stolen gold. Federal Way police and Mayor Skip Priest asked me to find a legislative solution to help address this emerging issue.
When I was sworn-in early in December of 2010, I began working with Mayor Priest and the Democrat chairman of the House public safety committee on a solution, which was embodied in House Bill 1213. As your representative, public safety is one of my top priorities and it is my privilege to work on this legislation.
During the public hearing process, I received constructive and helpful constituent feedback to make the legislation better without harming businesses like pawnbrokers who already adhere to strict procedures. After speaking with pawnbrokers, secondhand dealers, and other stakeholders, I put forward House Bill 1716. The committee process was a perfect example of what happens when the public gets involved and works to make legislation better before it is passed into law.
House Bill 1716 would establish and implement stricter standards relating to transactions involving property consisting of gold and other precious metals. The bill would require pawnbrokers buying precious metals to:
• Keep a written record of the transaction, including the name, signature, photo, contact information and description of the seller.
• Include the name of the employee and date of the completed the transaction.
• Catalog the items accepted in the transaction, including detailed descriptions of the items such as the color and size of gemstones and other identifying elements, and the price paid for the items.
• Create a waiting period for payments on transactions of $100 or more.
One of my greatest concerns with the rash of home burglaries for jewelry and other items made from precious metals is that an unsuspecting homeowner may be hurt or killed by a desperate criminal. By putting in place safeguards and timelines we would make it more difficult to sell stolen gold for quick cash.
There will always be those who will skirt our laws, but I believe House Bill 1716 will put in place protections that would allow law enforcement to hold lawbreakers accountable. My hope is this bill would allow those who have been victimized time to locate and retrieve their property. I know sentimental value trumps monetary value in many cases, and I hope my bill can deter the theft of precious heirlooms.
I will continue to work on this bill as it moves through the legislative process. It is currently waiting to be placed on the House floor calendar for a vote where I hope it will receive unanimous support. After that, it will head to the Senate for consideration, where our 30th District Sen. Tracy Eide is working with me to move the bill though committee.
I appreciate all the input I received from Mayor Priest, as well as constituents, business owners, local officials, law enforcement and my Democrat colleagues. This is a community bill, which I hope will provide everyone in the state a little more peace of mind in these tough times.
Rep. Katrina Asay, R-Milton, is serving her first term as a state representative in the 30th Legislative District. The district includes Federal Way, Algona, Pacific and portions of Milton, Des Moines and Auburn.