S.B. No. 1646 aims to combat criminal activities related to the theft, damage, or destruction of copper and brass materials, particularly in connection with critical infrastructure facilities. The bill classifies offenses that damage or destroy copper or brass components of such facilities as a third-degree felony if they impair operations. It also establishes penalties for unauthorized possession of these materials, escalating to a state jail felony or a third-degree felony based on the circumstances of acquisition and prior convictions.

Additionally, the legislation mandates the creation of training materials for metal recycling entities to help identify potentially stolen copper and brass materials, developed in collaboration with various stakeholders. It introduces specific definitions and requirements for transactions involving these materials, including record-keeping obligations and limitations on purchases from certain individuals. Violations of these provisions may result in administrative penalties. The bill is set to take effect immediately upon a two-thirds vote from both houses or on September 1, 2025, if that threshold is not met.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Penal Code 28.03, Penal Code 31.01, Penal Code 31.03, Penal Code 545.420 (Penal Code 31, Penal Code 545, Penal Code 28)
Senate Committee Report: Penal Code 28.03, Penal Code 31.01, Penal Code 31.03, Penal Code 545.420 (Penal Code 31, Penal Code 545, Penal Code 28)
Engrossed: Penal Code 28.03, Penal Code 31.01, Penal Code 31.03, Penal Code 545.420, Occupations Code 1956.001, Subchapter A- , Chapter , Occupations Code 66.002 (Penal Code 31, Occupations Code 1956, Penal Code 545, Subchapter A- , Chapter , Occupations Code 66, Penal Code 28)
House Committee Report: Penal Code 28.03, Penal Code 31.01, Penal Code 31.03, Occupations Code 1956.001, Subchapter A- , Chapter , Occupations Code 66.002 (Penal Code 31, Occupations Code 1956, Penal Code 545, Subchapter A- , Chapter , Occupations Code 66, Penal Code 28)
Enrolled: Penal Code 28.03, Penal Code 31.01, Penal Code 31.03, Occupations Code 1956.001, Subchapter A- , Chapter , Occupations Code 66.002 (Penal Code 31, Occupations Code 1956, Penal Code 545, Subchapter A- , Chapter , Occupations Code 66, Penal Code 28)