On Friday, the California State Senate passed AB 1778 by a margin of 21-16. The legislation places "modest requirements" on recyclers who engage in large cash transactions for newspapers or other materials. The legislation requires recyclers to pay by check and obtain ID from individuals who bring in more than $50 of newspapers. The law, which has been championed by the East Bay Express, San Francisco Bay Guardian, and other publications, passed the Assembly in June. If signed by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, the law will go into effect on Jan. 1, 2009.
