Copper Theft Bill Update

Copper Theft Bill – Legislation Update

Because we know all too well how serious an impact copper theft is having on our customers, our community and the grid, PNM has been working with many stakeholders to help craft copper theft legislation that could receive broad support.

We are very pleased to tell you that a bill to create a new state law combating copper theft, SB 21 Disruption of Communications and Utilities sponsored by New Mexico Senator Steve Neville, received unanimous support at the Senate Public Affairs Committee on Tuesday.

The bill, which is patterned after a West Virginia statue, addresses disruption to communications and utility services or creating a safety hazard, by theft or intentional damage, affecting ten or more households or customers or causing $1,000 in damage to equipment and/or replacement costs.

Sentencing guidelines: First Offense: Misdemeanor Second Offense: Fourth degree felony; no less than six months in jail or more than 18 months and/or not more than $5,000 in fines Third Offense: Third degree felony, one to three years in jail and/or not more than $5,000 in fines.

The Senate Public Affairs Committee review was just the first of several legislative hurdles. The senate bill next proceeds to the Senate Judiciary Committee where it will be thoroughly vetted.

If you support copper theft legislation, and particularly if you have been the victim of copper theft and are willing to share your experience, we encourage you to contact members of the Senate Judiciary Committee as soon as possible to let them know of your support. If you want to know who your own legislator is, click here.

There is no one solution or one organization alone that can stop this crime. It will take multiple approaches and a coordinated effort, such as the Metal Recyclers bill that passed two years ago and PNM’s partnership with Crime Stoppers to offer a reward for tips leading to the arrest and conviction of copper thieves. These efforts, along with legislation that reflects the true impact of this crime on our community and that gives law enforcement one more tool, are critical.
View Senate Bill 21