TX SB1646

Damaging or destroying copper or brass components of critical infrastructure facilities (including power stations, water treatment plants, telecommunications systems, oil and gas facilities, and 9-1-1 systems) that causes impairment or interruption becomes a third degree felony

Theft of copper or brass from critical infrastructure facilities increases the offense category to the next higher level for thefts valued between $2,500 and $300,000

Creates a new state jail felony offense for unauthorized possession of copper or brass material, elevated to a third degree felony if the material was taken from critical infrastructure, the person has prior convictions, participated in organized crime, or possessed a firearm during the offense

Metal recycling entities may only purchase copper or brass material from authorized sellers (utilities, telecommunications providers, registered recyclers, or businesses operating in ordinary course) and must maintain transaction records for two years, with violations subject to Class A misdemeanor charges or administrative penalties up to $10,000

Requires the Department of Public Safety to develop training materials for metal recyclers on identifying potentially stolen copper or brass and conduct studies every three years on the effect of regulations on copper theft incidents, with the initial study due by September 1, 2028