14190.20.
(a) The Metal Theft Task Force Fund is hereby established within the State Treasury. Notwithstanding Section 13340 of the Government Code, the fund is hereby continuously appropriated to the department for the purposes set forth in this title. Transfers to the Metal Theft Task Force Fund shall be deposited in the State Treasury, or in a state depository bank approved by the Treasurer.(b) The fund shall consist of moneys deposited into it received from, or recovered by, the federal government, industry, and private sources, moneys appropriated by the Legislature, and from fees collected pursuant to subdivision (c) of Section 12704 of the Business and Professions Code. General Fund moneys shall not be deposited into the fund nor used to start up, implement, or support the continuing administration of the provisions of this title.
(c) The fund shall be administered by the department.
(d) Moneys distributed from the fund pursuant to the program established pursuant to Section 14190.25 are intended to ensure that the department is equipped with the necessary personnel and tools to successfully combat metal theft and related recycling crimes, with a primary focus of shutting down illegal recycling operations, which include, but are not limited to, all of the following offenses:
(1) Illegal recycling operations, in which a junk dealer or recycler does not possess any of the following:
(A) A current business license.
(B) A stormwater permit, application for a stormwater permit, or a statement indicating that the applicant has either filed an application for a stormwater permit or is not required to obtain a stormwater permit.
(C) A weighmaster’s license issued pursuant to Chapter 7 (commencing with Section 12700) of Division 5 of the Business and Professions Code.
(2) The theft of metals, including, but not limited to, nonferrous metals.
(3) The purchase and recycling of stolen metals by recyclers.
(4) The transportation of stolen metals from junk dealers and recyclers in this state to another state.
(5) The transportation of stolen metals from another state to this state.
(e) (1) After deduction of the department’s actual and necessary administrative costs, moneys in the fund shall be expended for the exclusive purpose of enhancing the capacity of the department to serve as the lead law enforcement agency in deterring, investigating, and prosecuting illegal recycling operations, and metal theft and related recycling crimes.
(2) Moneys in the fund may be expended for the purpose of enabling the department to enter into partnerships with local law enforcement agencies, regional task forces, or district attorneys.