All Roll Calls
Yes: 264 • No: 24
IndianaSB 271Second Regular Session 124th General Assembly (2026)SenateWALLET
Telecommunications wire and valuable metal dealers.
Sponsored By: Eric Koch (Republican)
Signed by Governor
corrections and criminal lawthe housecourts and criminal code
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 3 costs, 0 mixed.
Victims can sue for triple damages
Beginning July 1, 2026, victims who lose money from listed violations can sue for damages. They can recover up to three times their actual losses, plus costs, reasonable attorney fees, travel expenses, time spent, and other collection costs. If the claim is under IC 24-4.6-5, recovery is limited to the total pump price.
Harsher penalties for buying stolen metal
Beginning July 1, 2026, a valuable metal dealer who fails to follow the chapter commits a Class A infraction. A dealer who knowingly or intentionally breaks the rules and buys stolen valuable metal commits a Level 6 felony called concealing a valuable metal purchase. The crime uses the chapter’s meanings of “purchase,” “valuable metal,” and “valuable metal dealer” for consistency. The law also repeals an older crime cross‑reference to clean up the code.
More items count as valuable metal
Beginning July 1, 2026, the law expands what counts as valuable metal. It now includes metal bossies, telecommunications network wire, and small component motor vehicle parts. It excludes beverage cans, used jewelry regulated elsewhere, and precious metal covered by a different law. Dealers must follow valuable metal rules for the newly listed items.
Tight rules on selling telecom wire
Beginning July 1, 2026, selling or buying telecommunications network wire is banned unless clear exceptions apply. Allowed sellers include: employees or agents of a telecom, broadband, or utility; Indiana‑authorized businesses that handle salvaged telecom wire and show a valid state certificate; FCC‑licensed amateur radio operators; or retail sellers with a signed bill of sale or an ownership certificate on telecom company letterhead that lists the date and how the wire was acquired. Dealers that buy under the retail exception must keep an electronic copy for two years. Telecommunications network wire includes fiber and cable with six or more twisted pairs, even if its coating was removed.
Sponsors & Cosponsors
Sponsor
Eric Koch
Republican • Senate
Cosponsors
Aaron Freeman
Republican • Senate
Daryl Schmitt
Republican • Senate
Edmond Soliday
Republican • House
Rodney Pol
Democratic • Senate
Wendy McNamara
Republican • House
Roll Call Votes
Senate vote • 2/27/2026
Roll Call 323 on SB0271.04.ENGH.CCS001
Yes: 50 • No: 0
House vote • 2/27/2026
Roll Call 418 on SB0271.04.ENGH.CCH001
Yes: 94 • No: 2
House vote • 2/24/2026
Roll Call 354 on SB0271.03.COMH
Yes: 76 • No: 21 • Other: 2
Senate vote • 1/22/2026
Roll Call 62 on SB0271.02.COMS
Yes: 44 • No: 1 • Other: 2
Actions Timeline
Signed by the Governor
3/5/2026SenatePublic Law 142
3/5/2026SenateSigned by the Speaker
3/3/2026HouseRules Suspended. Conference Committee Report 1: adopted by the Senate; Roll Call 323: yeas 50, nays 0
2/27/2026SenateCCR # 1 filed in the House
2/27/2026HouseCCR # 1 filed in the Senate
2/27/2026SenateSigned by the President Pro Tempore
2/27/2026SenateSigned by the President of the Senate
2/27/2026SenateRules Suspended. Conference Committee Report 1: adopted by the House; Roll Call 418: yeas 94, nays 2
2/27/2026HouseSenate conferees appointed: Koch, Taylor G
2/25/2026SenateSenate dissented from House amendments
2/25/2026SenateMotion to dissent filed
2/25/2026SenateRepresentative McNamara added as advisor
2/25/2026HouseRepresentative Lindauer added as conferee
2/25/2026HouseRepresentative Lindauer removed as advisor
2/25/2026HouseRepresentative McNamara removed as conferee
2/25/2026HouseHouse advisors appointed: Soliday, Lindauer, Gore
2/25/2026HouseHouse conferees appointed: McNamara, Pierce M
2/25/2026HouseReturned to the Senate with amendments
2/25/2026HouseSenate advisors appointed: Schmitt, Randolph Lonnie M
2/25/2026SenateThird reading: passed; Roll Call 354: yeas 76, nays 21
2/24/2026HouseSecond reading: amended, ordered engrossed
2/23/2026HouseAmendment #1 (Zimmerman) prevailed; voice vote
2/23/2026HouseAmendment #2 (Zimmerman) motion withdrawn
2/23/2026HouseCommittee report: amend do pass, adopted
2/19/2026House
Bill Text
Engrossed Senate Bill (S)
Enrolled Senate Bill (S)
Introduced Senate Bill (S)
Senate Bill (H)