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State lawmakers consider new regulations for second hand stores & pawn shops

Steve Carmody
/
Michigan Radio

A trio of bills in the Michigan legislature would create a statewide database of second hand shop sales. 

State Representative Mike Callton says a single data base will help police officers track stolen goods that thieves may try to sell to pawn shops, gold dealers and other second hand stores.

“If it turned up in any pawn shop, buy-n-sell or precious metal buyer, it would show up in that registry,” says Callton, “(Police) wouldn’t have to be looking all over the state.”

The state’s pawn brokers support the legislation.

“We have been working closely with state legislators the past few years to try to push this positive legislation through,” says Mark Aubrey with the Michigan Pawn Brokers Association. “These bills will not only have a positive impact for law enforcement but also the businesses and Michigan consumers.”

The legislation goes before the state House Financial Services committee on Wednesday.  

Steve Carmody has been a reporter for Michigan Public since 2005. Steve previously worked at public radio and television stations in Florida, Oklahoma and Kentucky, and also has extensive experience in commercial broadcasting.