AR HB2118

Amends Arkansas Code § 5-36-103(b)(1) to add utility property theft as a Class B felony offense when the value of the property is $500 or more.

Defines "utility" as any person or entity providing gas, electricity, water, sewer, telephone, telegraph, radio, railway, cable and broadcast television, video, or Internet services to the public.

Defines "utility property" to include wires, poles, cables, transformers, meters, substations, fiber optic cables, underground lines, gas compressors, and other components reasonably necessary to provide utility services.

Establishes that theft of utility property valued at $500 or more is prosecutable as a Class B felony, consistent with existing penalties for other types of property theft including anhydrous ammonia and building materials from construction sites.