Bill
SB 3593
Strengthen control over recyclable metal transactions by restricting telecom wire sales to authorized utility/telecom reps and create a Task Force to study and curb telecom metal t
Title: TELECOMMUNICATIONS THEFT
Status: Introduced February 5, 2026. Assigned to Criminal Law; Sponsor: Sen. Elgie R. Sims, Jr. Co-Sponsors: Sen. Sue Rezin, Sen. Dave Syverson. Effective date: July 1, 2027.
Purpose and intent
- Strengthen provisions of the Recyclable Metal Purchase Registration Law to address theft of telecommunications wires and related equipment.
- Establish and expand regulatory controls over recyclable metal transactions involving telecommunications infrastructure, with a focus on preventing theft and facilitating enforcement.
- Create and empower the Recyclable Metal Theft Task Force to study, review, and propose long-term solutions to this specific theft problem.
Key provisions and changes
1) Expanded eligibility for restricted purchases
- It is a violation to possess, purchase, attempt to purchase, sell, or attempt to sell telecommunications wire in any amount unless the seller is:
- An authorized agent, 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).
- This narrows who can legally transact telecommunications wire on the recyclable metal market, aiming to reduce opportunities for theft and illicit resale.
2) Expanded definitions
- Recyclable metal: Includes copper, brass, aluminum, or their combination, and also includes catalytic converters or their contents purchased by a recyclable metal dealer. Excludes certain items (e.g., beverage/food-related items, household waste, precious metals used in jewelry, and vehicles or essential vehicle parts).
- Telecommunications wire: Includes wire used in both wireline and wireless networks, fiber, copper cable, or twisted-pair wire, and includes associated components (tower, antennas, ground structures) as well as burned wire and related cables/equipment used in telecommunications or broadband networks.
- Burned wire: Coated metal wire that has been smelted, burned, or melted, removing protective coating or identifying marks.
- Catalytic converter and detached catalytic converter: Defined for compliance, including nonferrous parts (Rh, Pt, Pd).
3) Prohibited actions beyond prior law
- In addition to existing rules, the bill prohibits the purchase or sale of catalytic converters not attached to a motor vehicle unless the seller is licensed as an automotive parts recycler or scrap processor.
- Strengthens restrictions on acquiring, selling, or handling telecommunications wire by non-authorized parties.
4) Recyclable Metal Theft Task Force
- Maintains/expands the Recyclable Metal Theft Task Force within the Office of the Secretary of State.
- Composition includes: two state senators (appointed by Senate leadership), two state representatives (appointed by House leadership), the Secretary of State, and two Illinois State Police representatives (one of whom is from the State Police Academy).
- The chairperson selects additional public members, including:
- Municipal representatives
- Five police chiefs from various regions
- Representatives of public utilities, recyclable metal dealers, scrap metal suppliers
- Insurance providers offering homeowners coverage
- Rural electric cooperatives
- Local exchange carriers
- Automotive recyclers
- Fleet operators
- A representative of a wireless telecommunications carrier
- Duties:
- Develop collaborative and regional enforcement efforts to combat recyclable metal theft related to telecommunications and broadband equipment.
- Consider and develop long-term legislative and enforcement solutions.
- Annual reporting: By October 31 each year, the Task Force must report findings and recommendations to the General Assembly and the Governor.
- Specific focus on theft of telecommunications wires and equipment used to provide telecommunications, broadband, VoIP, and wireless services.
5) Effective date
- The act, including expanded restrictions and Task Force provisions, becomes effective July 1, 2027.
Who and what is affected
- Recyclable metal dealers and their transactions, specifically involving telecommunications wire and related equipment.
- Sellers and buyers of telecommunications wire must be authorized representatives of utilities or telecom/broadband providers (or their contractors) to transact legally.
- Telecommunications infrastructure assets, including burnable/wireline/wireless network components.
- Public utilities, broadband providers, VoIP providers, and wireless service providers operating under Illinois law.
- Law enforcement and regulatory bodies involved in metal theft prevention and enforcement.
Procedural and timeline notes
- The bill imposes a future effective date of July 1, 2027, allowing time for regulatory alignment, Task Force operations, and potential rulemaking.
- The Task Force must annually assess effectiveness and issue a report by October 31 of each year, creating an ongoing oversight mechanism.
- The Task Force composition includes a balance of legislative, executive, and public safety stakeholders, with representation from utilities, industry, and wireless carriers.
Overall impact
- Aims to deter and deterivate recyclable metal theft affecting telecommunications infrastructure by tightening who can buy telecom wires and related components.
- Establishes a formal, multi-stakeholder framework to study and address systemic theft and develop long-term solutions.
- Enhances accountability through annual reporting and cross-agency collaboration.
Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.
Sign in to ask a question.
