Columbia city councilman aims to withdraw pawnbroker bill Monday evening

The Columbia City Council is set to vote Monday evening on Councilman Michael Trapp’s proposal to withdraw his pawnbroker bill. Trapp tells ABC 17 News he will bring the bill back to the Council at a later date with “substantial changes.”

The Council meets Monday evening at 7 at City Hall. Trapp recommends withdrawal of the current version, and Columbia Deputy City Manager Tony St. Romaine confirms the City Council must vote on that.

Trapp proposed the revised ordinance in March, saying it was designed to aid in the investigation and recovery of stolen property and as a deterrent to crime.

Trapp’s current proposal, which is expected to be withdrawn, would have required a pawnbroker to improve record keeping on each transaction. It also would have added a requirement that a photograph be taken of both the article being pawned and the head and shoulders of any person who receives cash in exchange for the property left with the pawnbroker.