Bill > SB1646

This bill addresses criminal activities related to copper and brass material theft, damage, and unauthorized possession, with a focus on protecting critical infrastructure facilities. The bill creates new criminal offenses and increases penalties for crimes involving copper or brass materials, particularly when they are stolen from or damage critical infrastructure facilities such as power plants, telecommunications centers, pipelines, and other essential infrastructure. It defines "critical infrastructure facility" extensively, covering a wide range of industrial, utility, and communication sites. The bill introduces a new criminal offense of unauthorized possession of copper or brass material, with penalties ranging from a state jail felony to a third-degree felony depending on circumstances like previous convictions or the origin of the material. Additionally, the bill requires metal recycling entities to maintain detailed records of copper and brass material transactions, restricts how such materials can be purchased, and mandates that the Department of Public Safety develop training materials to help identify potentially stolen materials and conduct studies on the effectiveness of anti-theft regulations. The changes to the law are set to take effect on September 1, 2025, and aim to reduce theft and vandalism of critical infrastructure components.

Justice, Military Affairs and Security

https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=SB1646