Assembly Bill 242 seeks to amend existing laws regarding the tampering of telecommunication and electric wires by expanding the scope to include video service and broadband service lines. The bill increases penalties for certain offenses, elevating them from Class B and Class A misdemeanors to Class I felonies. Specifically, it addresses actions such as intentionally removing or altering property attached to telecommunication and electric lines without prior notice, as well as breaking down or interfering with these services.

The proposed changes include the insertion of "video service" and "broadband service" into the relevant statutes, thereby extending the same legal protections and penalties that currently apply to telegraph, telecommunications, electric light, and electric power companies. The bill also clarifies that individuals acting with permission from the relevant service providers are exempt from these penalties. Overall, the legislation aims to enhance the protection of telecommunication and electric infrastructure by imposing stricter penalties for unauthorized interference.

Statutes affected:
Bill Text: 941.40(1), 941.40, 941.40(2), 941.40(3), 941.40(4)(b)
Text as Enrolled: 941.40(1), 941.40, 941.40(2), 941.40(3), 941.40(4)(b)