Indiana legislation · 2026 Regular Session
Indiana SB271: Telecommunications wire and valuable metal dealers.
Status: Signed into law, March 5, 2026
Adds telecommunications network wire to the definition of "valuable metal" for purposes of Indiana law governing valuable metal dealers. Moves existing criminal penalties concerning valuable metals to the criminal code. Provides that a person may not sell or attempt to sell, and a valuable metal dealer may not purchase or attempt to purchase, telecommunications network wire in any amount unless specified conditions are satisfied. Provides that a person who suffers a pecuniary loss as a result of a violation of Indiana law governing valuable metal dealers may bring a civil action for specified damages against the person who caused the loss.
What the bill says
An act to amend the Indiana Code concerning professions and occupations.
From the enrolled text:
AN ACT to amend the Indiana Code concerning professions and occupations. SECTION 1. IC 25-37.5-1-0.7 IS ADDED TO THE INDIANA CODE AS A NEW SECTION TO READ AS FOLLOWS [EFFECTIVE JULY 1, 2026]: Sec. 0.7. (a) As used in this chapter, "telecommunications network wire" and (2) cable consisting of six (6) or more twisted pairs of wire, with or without sheathing; used in wireline or wireless communications service. (b) The term includes wire described in subsection (a) from which the protective coating has been removed by smelting, burning, or melting. SECTION 2. IC 25-37.5-1-1, AS AMENDED BY P.L.222-2013, SECTION 6, IS AMENDED TO READ AS FOLLOWS [EFFECTIVE JULY 1, 2026]: Sec. 1. (a) When used in this chapter, "valuable metal" means any product made of metal that readily may be resold. The term: (1) includes metal bossies, telecommunications network wire, and small component motor vehicle parts; and (2) does not include the following: (A) A beverage can. (B) Used jewelry regulated under IC 24-4-13. (C) Precious metal regulated under IC 24-4-19. SEA 271 -- CC 1 (b) As used in this chapter, "valuable metal dealer" means any individual, firm, corporation, limited liability company, or partnership engaged in the business of purchasing and reselling valuable metal either at a permanently established place of business or in connection with a business of …
Sponsors
- Eric Koch (R, SD-044) · primary sponsor
- Aaron Freeman (R, SD-032)
- Rodney Pol (D, SD-004)
- Daryl Schmitt (R, SD-048)
Latest actions
- : Signed by the Governor
- : Public Law 142
- : Signed by the Speaker
- : Signed by the President Pro Tempore
- : Signed by the President of the Senate
- : CCR # 1 filed in the Senate
- : Rules Suspended. Conference Committee Report 1: adopted by the House; Roll Call 418: yeas 94, nays 2
- : Rules Suspended. Conference Committee Report 1: adopted by the Senate; Roll Call 323: yeas 50, nays 0
- : CCR # 1 filed in the House
- : Motion to dissent filed
Votes
- SB0271.04.ENGH.CCS001 (February 27, 2026): 50 yea, 0 nay, passed
- SB0271.04.ENGH.CCH001 (February 27, 2026): 94 yea, 2 nay, passed
- SB0271.03.COMH (February 24, 2026): 76 yea, 21 nay, passed
- SB0271.02.COMS (January 22, 2026): 44 yea, 1 nay, passed
Subjects: TECHNOLOGY; Communication (Including Internet, Phone Lines, Print Media, Radio, and Television), METALS AND METAL DEALERS, CRIMINAL LAW AND PROCEDURE; Creation of New Offenses, CRIMINAL LAW AND PROCEDURE; Offenses Against Property
Common questions
- What is SB271?
- SB271 is a bill in the Indiana Legislature (2026 Regular Session): Telecommunications wire and valuable metal dealers.
- What does SB271 do?
- In its own words: An act to amend the Indiana Code concerning professions and occupations.
- What is the status of SB271?
- Signed into law as of March 5, 2026. Latest action: Signed by the Governor (March 5, 2026).
- Who sponsored SB271?
- Eric Koch (R, SD-044), with 3 co-sponsors.
- Where is the official record for SB271?
- On the Indiana Legislature website: https://iga.in.gov/legislative/2026/bills/senate/271
Source: official Indiana record. Tracked by Delilah, AI for legislation across all 50 states and Congress.