Bill > AB242

This bill expands existing legal protections for telecommunication infrastructure to include video service and broadband service lines and properties, while simultaneously increasing penalties for interfering with these services. Specifically, the bill changes current misdemeanor offenses to more serious Class I felonies for actions such as intentionally breaking, interrupting, removing, destroying, or interfering with service lines and equipment without company permission. The bill covers a range of prohibited actions, including making unauthorized physical electrical connections and altering property with service lines without providing proper notice. Under the new provisions, penalties for such offenses would escalate from potential fines and short-term imprisonment (up to 90 days or $1,000 for a Class B misdemeanor) to more significant consequences, including potential fines up to $10,000 and imprisonment for up to three and a half years as a Class I felony. By expanding protections to include newer communication technologies like video and broadband services, the bill aims to modernize existing infrastructure protection laws and create stronger deterrents against tampering with critical communication and utility infrastructure.

Justice

https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/2025/proposals/reg/asm/bill/ab242