H.B. No. 3552 aims to strengthen the legal framework addressing criminal activities related to the theft, damage, destruction, or unlawful possession of copper and brass materials, particularly concerning critical infrastructure facilities. The bill introduces new definitions and penalties, classifying offenses involving damage to copper or brass components of critical infrastructure as felonies of the third degree. It also establishes a new offense for unauthorized possession of specific copper or brass materials, with exemptions for authorized individuals and entities. The legislation emphasizes the protection of critical infrastructure and increases penalties for related criminal activities, while mandating the development of educational materials for metal recycling entities to help identify potentially stolen copper or brass materials.

Additionally, the bill amends the Occupations Code to regulate the purchase and acquisition of copper and brass materials by metal recycling entities, including a definition for "copper or brass material" and conditions for purchasing these materials. It requires recycling entities to maintain accurate transaction records for a minimum of two years and allows law enforcement inspections. The Department of Public Safety is tasked with conducting a study every three years on the impact of these regulations on theft incidents, with findings to be publicly available. The bill also prevents local governments from imposing additional restrictions beyond those established in the new law, with changes set to take effect on September 1, 2025, unless a two-thirds vote for immediate effect is achieved.

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