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Bill

HB 1509

An Act amending the act of October 9, 2008 (P.L.1408, No.113), known as the Scrap Material Theft Prevention Act, further providing for penalties.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Pat Gallagher and 6 co-sponsors

HB 1509 increases criminal penalties for stealing scrap metals in Pennsylvania to deter theft from infrastructure and reduce business losses.

Referred to Judiciary
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 1509

Legislative bill overview

HB 1509 amends Pennsylvania's Scrap Material Theft Prevention Act by increasing penalties for stealing scrap materials like copper, aluminum, and other recyclable metals. The bill tightens enforcement mechanisms against thieves who target these materials, which are frequently stolen from construction sites, utility infrastructure, and abandoned properties.

Why is this important

Scrap metal theft costs Pennsylvania businesses and municipalities millions annually in direct losses and repair expenses. Increased penalties aim to deter organized theft rings that target copper wiring from power lines and communication infrastructure, disrupting essential services and creating public safety hazards.

Potential points of contention

  • Penalty severity: Determining whether enhanced penalties are proportionate to the offense or represent overcriminalization for economically disadvantaged individuals engaged in metal scrapping
  • Definitional scope: Questions about which materials qualify as "scrap" and whether the law inadvertently captures legitimate recycling activities or informal salvage work
  • Implementation costs: New penalties require enforcement resources; unclear whether local law enforcement has capacity to prioritize these cases versus violent crimes

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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