RI H7173

Expands the crime of injuring electric or communication lines to explicitly include broadband, internet, and wireless transmission infrastructure, with penalties of up to $3,000 fine or 2 years imprisonment

Authorizes municipalities to grant zoning variances for critical infrastructure protection when property has been subject to or faces reasonably foreseeable risk of vandalism, trespass, theft, or damage from extreme weather or climate change-related disasters

Adds wireless and wired communications device components to the definition of "regulated metals property" under scrap metal dealer regulations, requiring police notification when such materials are purchased

Requires secondary metals recyclers to notify police when purchasing property that belongs to or bears markings of telephone, telegraph, internet, wireless communication, gas, water, or electric companies, with burned insulation creating a presumption of improper sourcing

Takes effect January 1, 2027