ATLANTA — Gov. Nathan Deal has signed a bill targeting scrap metal theft that would place more requirements on recyclers and addresses what supporters say is a growing problem in the state.

Sen. Renee Unterman, who sponsored the bill, says the legislation is needed because such thefts have grown more severe in the down economy, even as some recyclers have turned away people they believe are attempting to sell stolen metal from cemeteries, farms and homes.

Lawmakers in rural and urban areas of the state say they have been personally affected by the issue.