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Bill

SB 271

Telecommunications wire and valuable metal dealers.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Aaron Freeman and 5 co-sponsors

SB 271 requires Indiana telecommunications and metal dealers to maintain records and obtain licenses to reduce theft of copper wire and valuable metals from infrastructure.

Signed by the Governor
#criminallawandprocedure;creationofnewoffenses #criminallawandprocedure;offensesagainstproperty #metalsandmetaldealers #technology;communication(includinginternet #phonelines #printmedia #radio #andtelevision)
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Bill Summary · SB 271

Legislative bill overview

SB 271 regulates telecommunications wire and valuable metal dealers in Indiana, likely establishing licensing requirements, record-keeping standards, and transaction documentation to combat theft and illegal sales of copper wire and other valuable metals commonly targeted by thieves. The bill appears to create compliance obligations for dealers who purchase these materials from the public.

Why is this important

Copper wire and metal theft costs utilities, telecommunications companies, and property owners millions annually in damaged infrastructure and service disruptions. This legislation aims to create an audit trail for metal transactions, making it harder for thieves to quickly convert stolen materials into cash and reducing incentives for copper theft that often targets critical infrastructure.

Potential points of contention

  • Regulatory burden on small businesses: Compliance costs for licensing, record-keeping systems, and identity verification procedures may disproportionately affect small scrap dealers and recycling operations
  • Privacy concerns: Requiring detailed identification and transaction records of customers selling metal materials raises data security and privacy questions about who maintains this information
  • Effectiveness questions: Some argue that determined thieves will simply cross state lines or use informal networks, limiting the bill's practical impact on theft reduction

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

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