RI S2601

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 protecting critical infrastructure that 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" that secondary metals recyclers must track and report to police.

Requires licensed metals recyclers to notify police and hold for 3 days any property that is known or should reasonably be known to belong to telephone, telegraph, Internet, wireless communication, gas, water, or electric companies, with burned or obfuscated insulation creating a presumption of knowledge.

Takes effect January 1, 2027.