Bill would punish theft or damage of telecommunications cables

The measure would prohibit willfully or maliciously damaging, destroying, or stealing covered cable, as well as attempting or agreeing with others to do so. It would cover copper, fiber, and coaxial cable used for telecommunications or information services affecting trade across state or national borders, including cable under construction. The prohibition would not cover equipment located on a customer’s property that the customer owns, rents, or leases.