Metal thieves who hit certain targets, including farms or utilities, would face an automatic three years in prison under a bill being prepared for the 2009 legislature.

They might also be tracked via satellite technology until they are caught.

The draft of the bill is the work of an informal coalition against metal theft, which has about 30 members including state Rep. Andy Olson, R-Albany.

The group has a couple more meetings planned before the lawmakers convene in January, Olson said, and the bill is not yet in its final shape.

So far, though, one of the provisions would make certain kinds of metal theft "aggravated mischief," a class C felony, and the first conviction would require a minimum punishment of 36 months in prison. Under current law, thieves usually get probation for a first conviction.

This part of the bill would apply to thefts of metal from parks, agriculture, utilities, transportation facilities, and construction sites, and also to the theft of catalytic converters from motor vehicles.

Olson said the provision may duplicate parts of Ballot Measure 57, passed in November, which toughens penalties for property crime generally.

Another idea in the proposal, according to Olson, was suggested by a Linn County sheriff's deputy. In investigations of metal theft, it would allow officers, with a court order based on probable cause, to attach a GPS tracking device to a suspect's car. This would allow investigators to keep track of a suspect's movements.

Among other elements of the legislation:

• Recriminalize the offense of failure by dealers to maintain records of metal trades. Olson said the 2007 legislature changed the law, and this bill would change it back.

• Develop a metal transportation certificate similar to what's required for transporting livestock or wood products.

• Ban cash payments when metal is brought to scrap dealers. Payment would be made by check.

• No recycling would be allowed of any coated wire that is burned or melted. Olson said that change was suggested by Jay Burcham, an Albany metals dealer who has been active in efforts against theft.

Metal theft has been a scourge in Oregon and around the country. It is believed to be driven mainly by the need for money by people addicted to meth.