Committee backs bill to strengthen penalties for damaging telecom infrastructure

The Criminal Code Committee voted to pass Senate Bill 26 as amended; the amendment largely aligns state law with federal prohibitions on illegal devices and expands the definition of critical infrastructure to explicitly include telecom equipment and wiring.

Representative Matt Pierce explained the amendment would “mirror as closely as possible in state law the federal law which already makes use of these devices illegal,” while also adding equipment and wiring to the critical infrastructure definition to ensure attacks on network wires and equipment can be prosecuted as attacks on critical infrastructure. Testimony from industry representatives stressed the problem’s scope: Daniel Miller, president of the Indiana Broadband and Technology Association, said damaging copper wiring and other components “puts lives at risk” by taking health-care workers and first responders offline and that stronger penalties would deter theft and vandalism.

Steve Rogers of AT&T described more than 100 cable-theft incidents in a recent year that cost “hundreds of thousands of dollars” and at least one incident that took the FAA tower at Indianapolis out of service. Supporters said strengthening criminal penalties and clarifying definitions would help prosecutors pursue cases locally when federal agencies are not available to lead a prosecution.

Following testimony, the committee moved to pass the amended bill; the roll call recorded the bill as passing by a 13–0 vote.

Votes at a glance: Senate Bill 26 (as amended) — Motion: “Move to pass as amended.” Outcome: passed by committee (reported 13–0).