Bill > SB0271

This bill amends Indiana law concerning valuable metal dealers by adding "telecommunications network wire," which includes fiber and cable used for communications services, to the definition of "valuable metal." It also moves existing criminal penalties related to valuable metals into the criminal code, specifically creating a new Level 6 felony for valuable metal dealers who knowingly or intentionally fail to comply with the law and purchase stolen valuable metal. Furthermore, the bill establishes specific conditions under which telecommunications network wire can be legally sold or purchased, requiring sellers to be authorized representatives of telecommunications providers, businesses that handle salvaged wire with proper documentation, licensed amateur radio operators, or retail sellers with a valid certificate of ownership from a telecommunications company. Finally, it allows individuals who suffer financial losses due to violations of valuable metal dealer laws to file a civil lawsuit seeking damages, including up to three times the actual loss, court costs, and attorney fees.