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HB 1453

Protecting consumers by increasing penalties for scrap metal businesses who purchase stolen copper from telecommunication cables.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Travis Couture and 6 co-sponsors

HB 1453 increases penalties on scrap metal dealers purchasing stolen telecom copper to reduce theft disrupting rural internet and phone service.

Public hearing in the House Committee on Consumer Protection & Business at 1:30 PM.
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Bill Summary · HB 1453

Legislative bill overview

HB 1453 increases criminal and civil penalties for scrap metal businesses that knowingly purchase stolen copper from telecommunication cables. The bill aims to deter theft of copper infrastructure by making it more costly for scrap dealers to accept stolen materials without proper verification.

Why is this important

Copper theft from telecom cables disrupts internet and phone service for rural and underserved communities, creates safety hazards, and costs infrastructure companies millions annually in repairs. By increasing penalties on the buyer side of the transaction, the bill targets the economic incentive that makes theft profitable for criminals.

Potential points of contention

  • Due diligence burden: Scrap metal businesses may argue that distinguishing stolen telecom copper from legitimately sourced copper is difficult without expensive verification systems, potentially raising compliance costs
  • Penalty severity: Debate over whether increased penalties are proportionate or overly punitive compared to other property crimes, and whether they might unfairly impact smaller scrap operations
  • Enforcement challenges: Questions about how authorities will prove scrap dealers "knowingly" purchased stolen materials versus cases of negligence or reasonable oversight failures

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

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