California looks at requiring property registration

A bill to establish “an electronic reporting system” for pawn shops and second-hand goods dealers has passed out of a committee in the California legislature. The goal is to have such sellers create electronic records of all the tangible personal property they acquire. Proponents argue it will help combat the problem of stolen property.

The measure exempts most of those groups likely to be able to mount effective lobbying pressure: charitable organizations, swap meets, third-party auctioneers, and gun shows.  Looks like eBay is the only major outfit likely to oppose it, since their sellers will be subject.  The measure will be paid for by fees on the sellers.