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SB 782

Telecommunications Infrastructure - Protections

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Carl Jackson

Strengthens protections for Maryland telecom infrastructure by criminalizing damage, tightening dealer verification, and delaying resale to deter theft and vandalism.

Rereferred to Economic Matters
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SB 782

Summary of Senate Bill 782 (2026) — Telecommunications Infrastructure Protections

Purpose and Intent

  • Strengthen protections for telecommunications infrastructure in Maryland.
  • Reduce theft and vandalism risk by tightening requirements on junk dealers, scrap metal processors, and antique dealers when handling telecommunications equipment.
  • Establish criminal penalties for damaging or destroying telecommunications infrastructure.

Key Provisions

ExpandedScope: Junk/Scrap Metal Definition

  • Adds “telecommunications equipment” to the items that count as junk or scrap metal.
  • Examples included: antennae, cell tower batteries, fiber optic and copper cables, power inverters, materials with ownership markers, and small cell facilities.
  • Broadens the range of used articles owned by a telecommunications company that could be subject to junk/dealer regulations.

Telecommunications Infrastructure (Criminal Law)

  • Defines “telecommunications infrastructure” to include items used to provide broadband, cable TV, telephone, or wireless services.
  • List of included components:
    • Antennae
    • Fiber optic and copper cables
    • Headends
    • Telephone poles
    • Radio transceivers
    • Radio towers
    • Wireless support structures
    • Small cell facilities
    • Office facilities of a telecommunications company
  • Prohibits recklessly, willfully, and maliciously defacing, damaging, or destroying telecommunications infrastructure.
  • Penalties: misdemeanor with up to 6 months’ imprisonment and/or a fine up to $5,000 (note: initial summary mentions $500; the revised note states up to $5,000; the final part of the fiscal notes shows $500 and $5,000 for subsequent offenses—likely reflects first offense and subsequent offense penalties).
  • Exceptions:
    • Excludes employees acting on behalf of a telecommunications company from liability.
    • Excludes conduct by political subdivisions supervising and controlling a telecom company’s facilities within the subdivision.

Purchases of Telecommunications Equipment

  • Requires junk dealers and scrap metal processors to verify legitimate authority to sell telecommunications equipment.
  • Acceptable documentation includes: bill of sale, receipt, authorization letter, or other evidence showing lawful authority to sell.

Purchase and Disposal Restrictions

  • Telecommunication equipment purchases by junk dealers/scrap metal processors must be paid by check mailed to the seller’s address.
  • Prohibits sale or disposal of telecommunications equipment for 30 days after purchase (to deter quick resale and allow for investigation).

Licensure and Records (Background Context)

  • Builds on existing regulations requiring junk dealers/scrap metal processors to be licensed and maintain purchase records.
  • Records must include:
    • Date/time of purchase
    • Description of items
    • Amount paid
    • Vehicle information (license plate, make, model)
    • Seller’s name/address
    • Signatures of seller and recipient
    • Personal identifying information of the seller
  • Records must be submitted to the appropriate law enforcement unit by the end of the next business day.

Enforcement and Consequences

  • Violations can lead to:
    • Revocation of the state junk license
    • Misdemeanor conviction with fines up to $2,000 (first offense) and up to $5,000 for subsequent offenses
    • Possible imprisonment (as noted in the broader notes for related offenses)

Who Is Affected

  • Junk dealers, scrap metal processors, and antique dealers who operate within Maryland and purchase telecommunications equipment.
  • Law enforcement and localities via sheriff or designated law enforcement officials who receive registration data.
  • Telecommunications companies and their workers, who are protected by the infrastructure defacement/destroy penalties.

Timeline and Effective Date

  • Effective date: October 1, 2026.

Fiscal and Local Impact

  • Administrative and enforcement costs are not expected to materially affect state or local budgets.
  • Small business impact deemed minimal.

Additional Context

  • Cross-file: HB 1100 (Economic Matters).
  • Previous legislative activity indicates a focus on tightening control over the handling of telecommunications-related assets to deter theft and vandalism.

If you’d like, I can provide a side-by-side comparison with current law or a concise bullet-point briefing for policymakers.

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

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