LA SB403

Creates a new crime of unauthorized possession of copper or brass material, defined as power inverters, bus bars, insulated or noninsulated copper wire/cable used by utilities, telecommunications providers, pipelines, and similar infrastructure

Exempts owners, public utilities, carriers, telecommunications/cable/video service providers, pipeline operators, scrap metal recyclers, secondhand dealers, businesses selling copper/brass in ordinary course, and persons lawfully acquiring materials through construction/demolition

Standard penalty: fine up to $10,000, imprisonment with or without hard labor up to 2 years, or both

Enhanced penalty of 5-99 years and/or up to $10,000 fine applies when: material was obtained from critical infrastructure, offender has prior conviction for related copper/brass offenses (theft, criminal mischief, racketeering), or offender possessed a firearm during the offense

Effective August 1, 2026; prosecution under this law does not preclude charges under other applicable statutes