Bill > SB0271

This bill amends Indiana law to include "telecommunications network equipment," which encompasses various types of wire, cable, and infrastructure components used for telecommunications and broadband services, as a "valuable metal." This reclassification means that individuals who suffer financial losses due to violations of laws concerning valuable metal dealers can now file civil lawsuits to recover damages, including up to three times their actual losses, court costs, and attorney fees. Additionally, the bill moves existing criminal penalties related to valuable metal dealers from one section of Indiana law to a new section within the criminal code, specifically addressing the felony offense of concealing a valuable metal purchase when a dealer knowingly buys stolen valuable metal. The bill also clarifies that the definitions of "purchase," "telecommunications network equipment," "valuable metal," and "valuable metal dealer" for the purposes of these new criminal provisions are found in existing statutes.

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https://iga.in.gov/legislative/2026/bills/senate/271/details