Gov. Jay Inslee has signed a bill to reduce scrap metal theft. The bill, HB 1552, was championed by state Rep. Roger Goodman, D-Kirkland.

Metal theft is considered a huge problem as thieves are stealing cemetery urns, farm equipment, copper from power lines and brass fittings on fire hoses. Metal is a hot commodity because it is valuable and not easily traced.

The bill passed the legislature with virtually unanimous support in the final days of the regular session. The measure fights metal theft through licensing regulations, a “no-buy” list for prevention, and expanded criminal penalties that account not only for the cost of the stolen material but also the cost of repair and the damage to public safety.

Goodman represents the Sammamish area.