The legislature passed a bill Thursday requiring scrap dealers to identify sellers and keep records of transactions over $50. Copper and other metal thefts have plagued the state since the value of those metals has risen dramatically.

The Central Electric Power Cooperative in Jefferson City is losing money because of the crime, and the replacement involves a lot of cost.

"Within the last two years, we've lost over $25,000 worth of copper just from our transmission cooperatives," Power Cooperative's Don Shaw said. "And statewide we've probably lost over $1 million worth of copper just among the electric cooperatives."

Copper was stolen from Central Electric Power Cooperative from various locations last year. As the company says, it is not the value of the copper, but the danger created by the theft that is the biggest concern.

Unfortunately, often the wire can still be hot, and oftentimes it leaves these unknowing individuals in danger of being electrocuted.

The bill will require anyone trying to sell more than $50 worth of metal will have to show an ID. Scrap dealers will have to keep records of transactions for 24 months. Payments of $500 or more will have to be made by check or other traceable method. Dealers who fail to keep history of purchases will face class a misdemeanor charge.

The bill also creates Class C felony from 1-7 years in prison for stealing and selling any utility infrastructure. Gov. Matt Blunt supports the bill and commended the legislature Thursday for its passage.