Relates to grand larceny in the fourth degree and criminal possession of stolen property in the fourth degree

Title of bill

An act to amend the penal law, in relation to grand larceny in the fourth degree and criminal possession of stolen property in the fourth degree of metal wire used as a conductor to transmit and distribute electrical energy

Purpose

Adds metal wire owned by an electric company or public utility to the lists of fourth degree offenses of larceny and possession of stolen property.

Summary of provisions

Section 1. Adds property consisting of metal wire which is owned by an electric company or public utility operated by a municipality or district to Section 155.30 of the penal law.

Section 2. Adds property consisting of metal wire which is owned by an electric company or public utility operated by a municipality or district to Section 165.45 of the penal law

Section 3. Sets the effective date.

Justification

During certain periods of the economic cycle the value of copper increases. This increased value creates an increased desire for the theft of such metals. Currently, New York does not list the theft or illegal possession of this important material - which is often stolen from critical transmission infrastructure - on its list of related penal charges: larceny and criminal possession of stolen property. This bill seeks to curb the theft of this important metal from our state's infrastructure by adding its thieving and possession to the fourth degree charges of larceny and illegal possession of stolen property.

Legislative history

New bill.

Effective date

This act shall take effect on the ninetieth day after it shall become a law.