summary
Introduced
02/05/2026
02/05/2026
In Committee
02/17/2026
02/17/2026
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". Effective July 1, 2027.
AI Summary
This bill amends the Recyclable Metal Purchase Registration Law to make it illegal for anyone to possess, buy, attempt to buy, sell, or attempt to sell telecommunications wire unless the seller is an authorized representative of a licensed contractor for a public utility, a telecommunications service provider, or a broadband, interconnected VoIP, or wireless service provider, as defined by the Public Utilities Act. The bill also expands the definition of "recyclable metal" to include copper, brass, or aluminum found in telecommunications wire or equipment used for telecommunications, broadband, interconnected VoIP, or wireless services, and defines "burned wire" as coated metal wire that has been altered by burning or melting, and "telecommunications wire" to encompass various types of wire and associated equipment used in telecommunications and broadband networks. Furthermore, the Recyclable Metal Theft Task Force will now specifically review its effectiveness in deterring and investigating the theft of telecommunications wires and related equipment, and will develop long-term legislative and enforcement solutions for this growing problem, with the task force now including a representative from a wireless telecommunications carrier, and will report its findings and recommendations annually by October 31st to the General Assembly and the Governor, with these changes taking effect on July 1, 2027.
Committee Categories
Justice
Sponsors (1)
Last Action
Senate Criminal Law Committee Hearing (14:00:00 2/24/2026 Room 409) (on 02/24/2026)
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