IN SB0271

Adds "telecommunications network wire" (fiber and cables with 6+ twisted wire pairs) to the definition of "valuable metal" regulated under Indiana's valuable metal dealer laws, effective July 1, 2026

Prohibits the sale or purchase of telecommunications network wire unless the seller is an authorized telecom/utility employee, an employee of a licensed business that handles salvaged wire (such as contractors or demolition firms), holds an FCC amateur radio license, or is a retail seller with proper documentation from a telecommunications company

Creates criminal penalties: valuable metal dealers who fail to comply with regulations face a Class A infraction, and those who knowingly fail to comply while purchasing stolen valuable metal commit a Level 6 felony ("concealing a valuable metal purchase")

Requires valuable metal dealers purchasing telecommunications wire from retail sellers to maintain electronic copies of bills of sale or certificates of ownership for 2 years

Adds violations of the valuable metal dealer statute (IC 25-37.5) to the list of offenses for which victims may bring civil actions to recover up to 3 times actual damages plus attorney's fees and costs