By MES Dispatch staff
The Briefing
• Colorado lawmakers advanced a bill aimed at cracking down on copper wire theft to protect critical infrastructure, including 911 services.
• The theft spike has damaged telecom and utility lines, disrupting emergency communications in some areas, proponents said.
• The measure would increase penalties and enhance law enforcement tools to trace and deter stolen metal sales.
• Supporters say strengthening the law could reduce service outages and costs for utilities and public safety agencies.
DENVER, CO — Colorado lawmakers have introduced legislation intended to curb the recent surge in copper wire thefts that has damaged telecommunication infrastructure and imperiled 911 and other emergency services, sponsors and officials said.
Criminals stealing copper wiring from utility and telecom facilities have in some instances caused outages that affected emergency communications systems, prompting concerns from lawmakers and public safety advocates about risks to public safety and response reliability.
The proposed law would increase criminal penalties for theft of critical infrastructure metal and give law enforcement and prosecutors greater ability to trace transactions at metal recycling centers, according to legislative summaries and sponsor statements.
Supporters of the bill said tougher measures could deter theft, reduce service disruptions and lower replacement and repair costs borne by utilities, municipalities and emergency service agencies, while opponents raised questions about enforcement and regulatory impacts.
Legislative committees have scheduled further hearings on the measure, and lawmakers said they hope to finalize the bill before the end of the current session.