What's happening
This bill adds theft or possession of electric utility metal wire to fourth-degree grand larceny and criminal possession of stolen property.
Why it matters
Targets a specific public safety risk. By explicitly including electric utility metal wire in grand larceny and stolen property statutes, the bill aims to address the growing problem of metal theft, which can cause dangerous power outages and public safety hazards.
Protects critical infrastructure. The amendment recognizes the essential role of metal wire in the electrical grid, so its theft is treated more seriously—helping to deter crimes that could disrupt electricity supply to homes, businesses, and emergency services.
Raises legal consequences for offenders. Individuals who steal or possess stolen utility wire will now face felony-level charges, increasing the potential penalties and making prosecution of these offenses more straightforward for law enforcement.
Supports utility companies and municipalities. By strengthening legal protections for electric grid materials, the bill helps reduce repair costs and service interruptions for public and private utility providers, ultimately benefiting ratepayers and communities.
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Who cares
Headline styles
Tougher Penalties for Wire Theft
Plain English, a few words. Used as the page title.
Sponsors
No co-sponsors yet.
History
- Referred to codes
- Referred to codes
Full text
1 pageUnderlined is new[Struck] is removedOfficial text on nysenate.gov ↗
STATE OF NEW YORK
4388
2017-2018 Regular Sessions
IN SENATE
February 13, 2017
Introduced by Sen. GRIFFO -- read twice and ordered printed, and when printed to be committed to the Committee on Codes
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
The People of the State of New York, represented in Senate and Assembly, do enact as follows:
Section 1. Section 155.30 of the penal law is amended by adding a new subdivision 12 to read as follows:
12. The property consists of metal wire which is owned by an electric company or public utility operated by a municipality or district and which functions as a conductor to transmit and distribute electrical energy in the electrical grid.
§ 2. Section 165.45 of the penal law is amended by adding a new subdivision 8 to read as follows:
8. The property consists of metal wire which is owned by an electric company or public utility operated by a municipality or district and which functions as a conductor to transmit and distribute electrical energy in the electrical grid.
§ 3. This act shall take effect on the ninetieth day after it shall have become a law.
EXPLANATION--Matter in italics (underscored) is new; matter in brackets
[ ] is old law to be omitted.
LBD09802-01-7
Reflowed for reading: line numbers and page breaks removed. Cite the official text.
Sponsor's memo
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
2016 - S. 7793 - Codes Committee.
Fiscal implications
None.
Effective date
90 days.
Summaries, headlines and scores are AI-generated from the official bill text. How we score bills. Source: NYS Open Legislation.