This bill amends RCW 19.290.080 to change civil penalty amounts under that chapter and adds a penalty schedule specifically targeting scrap metal businesses that pledge for, purchase, or trade stolen copper used in telecommunication cable. For those theft-related violations the bill allows civil penalties of up to $10,000 for a first violation, up to $20,000 for a second violation, and the third violation results in loss of licensure. The bill also restates the general civil penalty scheme for violations not subject to criminal penalties: up to $1,000 for each such violation, with a subsequent violation within two years punishable by up to $2,000. This is a modification of existing law (an amendment to RCW 19.290.080) creating higher civil penalties and an administrative consequence (loss of licensure) for repeat theft-related conduct by scrap metal businesses. The excerpt does not define key terms used (for example "scrap metal business," "telecommunication cable," or "stolen copper"), does not identify the licensing authority or the process for revoking licensure, does not show which chapter is being amended in full, and contains no effective date or details about enforcement or criminal penalties. The bill was read for the first time on 01/21/25 and was referred to the House Committee on Consumer Protection & Business.

If enacted, the bill sharply increases the civil penalties scrap metal businesses face for dealing in stolen copper from telecommunication cable: a first civil violation can be fined up to $10,000, a second up to $20,000, and a third can lead to loss of licensure. For other non-criminal violations under the same chapter, fines stay at up to $1,000 per violation but jump to up to $2,000 for repeat violations within two years. This changes the real-world financial risk and operating risk for scrap metal dealers who might handle copper from telecom cable, making repeated violations far more costly and potentially ending a business’s legal ability to operate. It’s unclear from the excerpt which agency would revoke licenses, how enforcement or appeals would work, whether there are related criminal penalties, or when the changes would take effect, so how quickly and by what process businesses would face these penalties is not certain.