H.B. No. 3552 seeks to combat criminal activities related to the theft and unauthorized possession of copper and brass, particularly concerning critical infrastructure facilities. The bill amends the Government Code and Penal Code to define "critical infrastructure facility" and introduces penalties for offenses involving the damage or theft of copper or brass components. It establishes a third-degree felony for damaging or destroying such components that disrupt the functioning of critical infrastructure and classifies unauthorized possession of copper or brass as a state jail felony, escalating to a third-degree felony under certain conditions.

Additionally, the bill imposes new regulations on metal recycling entities, prohibiting them from purchasing copper or brass from unauthorized sellers unless specific criteria are met, such as verifying that the seller acquired the material legitimately. It requires these entities to maintain detailed records of transactions for two years, subject to inspection, and establishes penalties for non-compliance as Class A misdemeanors. The legislation also clarifies that local governments cannot impose additional restrictions on these record-keeping requirements and outlines the process for the Public Safety Commission to adopt necessary rules for implementation, with the changes effective for offenses committed on or after September 1, 2025, unless an immediate effect is granted.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Penal Code 28.03, Penal Code 31.01, Penal Code 31.03, Penal Code 545.420 (Penal Code 31, Penal Code 28, Penal Code 545)