By Tom Waring
Wire Staff Writer
Recently, Senate committees approved two pieces of legislation sponsored by Greenleaf.
The Senate Transportation Committee approved SB 61, a measure to permit bike medics to operate their bicycles in the same manner as a police officer on a bicycle. In recent years, Greenleaf said, bike medics have become a valuable addition to community emergency medical service teams in many communities. Bike medics are able to rapidly respond to medical emergencies at large public events, such as parades, festivals, sporting events and other outdoor community events.
The Senate Judiciary Committee approved SB 427, requiring cash-for-gold dealers to retain each item of precious metal for 10 business days, instead of five, after purchase. This extension, Greenleaf said, will enable burglary victims to discover and report the theft and will allow police more time to investigate the theft. The legislation will further enable the police to seize the precious metals when they have probable cause to believe that the metals are stolen.
Law enforcement reports a frequent and growing crime involving property theft to support drug addiction. Thieves break into people’s homes during the day, steal gold and silver jewelry, and then sell the jewelry to “cash-for-gold” businesses to buy illegal drugs. The legislation will help combat these types of home invasions, according to Greenleaf.
The bills are now being considered by the full Senate.
