AR HB1720

Adds definitions to Arkansas theft law for "building material," "cost of incidental damage," "incidental damage," "oil and gas equipment," "permitted construction site," "utility," and "utility property"

Establishes theft of utility property valued at $500 or more as a Class B felony

Establishes graduated penalties for theft of oil and gas equipment based on value and circumstances: Class B felony if value is $5,000-$25,000 with incidental damage exceeding $250 or interstate transportation; Class C felony if value is $1,000-$5,000 with similar aggravating factors; Class D felony if value is $1,000 or less with aggravating factors

Requires proof that a person caused more than $250 in incidental damage to the owner or transported equipment across state lines to trigger enhanced felony charges for oil and gas equipment theft

Approved March 29, 2019