summary
Introduced
02/04/2026
02/04/2026
In Committee
02/06/2026
02/06/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
104th General Assembly
Bill Summary
Amends the Recyclable Metal Purchase Registration Law. Provides that it is a violation of the Act for any person to possess, purchase, attempt to purchase, sell, or attempt to sell, or for any recyclable metal dealer to purchase or attempt to purchase, telecommunications wire in any amount unless the seller is an authorized agent, a representative or employee of a licensed contractor of a public utility, a provider of telecommunications services, as described in the Public Utilities Act, or a provider of broadband service, interconnected VoIP services, or wireless services, as described in the Public Utilities Act. Provides that the Recyclable Metal Theft Task Force shall review the effectiveness of its efforts in deterring and investigating the problem of recyclable metal theft specific to telecommunications wires, burned wire, and any other equipment used to provide (i) telecommunications services, as described in the Public Utilities Act, or (ii) broadband service, interconnected VoIP services, or wireless services, as described in the Public Utilities Act. Provides that the Task Force shall consider and develop long-term solutions, both legislative and enforcement-driven, for the rising problem of theft of these wires and equipment in this State. Provides that the Task Force shall be composed of one representative of a wireless telecommunications carrier. Provides that the Task Force shall, by October 31 of each year, report its findings and recommendations to the General Assembly and the Governor. Changes the definition of the term "recyclable metal". Defines the terms "burned wire" and "telecommunications wire".
AI Summary
This bill amends the Recyclable Metal Purchase Registration Law to make it illegal to possess, buy, sell, or attempt to buy or sell "telecommunications wire" (defined as wire used in wired or wireless communication networks, including fiber, copper cable, and twisted-pair wire, as well as associated equipment like towers and antennae) unless the seller is an authorized representative of a licensed contractor for a public utility or a provider of telecommunications, broadband, interconnected VoIP, or wireless services. It also expands the definition of "recyclable metal" to include these telecommunications wires and related equipment. Furthermore, the bill mandates that the Recyclable Metal Theft Task Force, which is a group composed of legislative members, state officials, and representatives from various industries including a new addition of a wireless telecommunications carrier, must specifically review its effectiveness in combating the theft of telecommunications wires and related equipment, and develop long-term solutions for this growing problem, reporting its findings and recommendations annually to the General Assembly and the Governor.
Sponsors (1)
Last Action
Referred to Rules Committee (on 02/06/2026)
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