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MarylandHB 11002026 Regular SessionHouseWALLET

Telecommunications Infrastructure - Protections

Sponsored By: Andrew C. Pruski (Democratic)

Signed by Governor

Business RegulationCriminal Law - Substantive CrimesCable TelevisionCommerce and Business -see also- ElectrComm; ForeignTr; etc.Crimes and Punishments -see also- Penalties and Sentnc; etc.DisclosureEquipment -see also- Charging; Med. Equip.; MV Equip; etc.Fines -see also- Penalties and SentencesInformation TechnologyInternet AccessLaw Enforcement -see also- SRO; Sheriffs; State PolicePenalties and Sentences -see also- Death PenaltyRegistration -see also- Motor Vehicle RegistrationSheriffsTelecommunicationsTelephonesWreckers and Scrap Processors

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

3 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 1 costs, 1 mixed.

New scrap buying rules for dealers

Beginning October 1, 2026, junk dealers and scrap metal processors must keep required records before buying scrap. They cannot buy scrap unless those records are made. They cannot buy a catalytic converter from an individual without ID showing a proper license or that the seller is an agent or employee of a licensed business. They must collect a bill of sale, receipt, letter of authorization, or similar proof to buy telecommunications equipment as scrap. They also need proper authorization to buy cemetery urns or grave markers.

New crime for damaging telecom equipment

Beginning October 1, 2026, it is a misdemeanor to recklessly or to willfully and maliciously damage telecommunications infrastructure. This includes antennas, fiber and copper cables, headends, poles, transceivers, towers, wireless support structures, small cell sites, and company office facilities. Penalties can be up to 6 months in jail or a fine up to $500, or both. The rule does not apply to telecommunications employees acting with company authority or to actions by local governments in their oversight role.

More telecom and utility items count as scrap

Beginning October 1, 2026, Maryland treats more telecommunications and utility gear as scrap metal. Examples include antennas, burned wire, busbars, cell tower batteries, fiber and copper cables, small cell sites, power inverters, and items marked as owned by a telecommunications company. It also covers used public‑utility metal like manhole covers, metal light poles, tree grates, water meters, and street signs. Food and drink cans remain excluded.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Andrew C. Pruski

    Democratic • House

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 303 • No: 0

House vote • 4/10/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 131 • No: 0 • Other: 5

Senate vote • 4/8/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 42 • No: 0 • Other: 2

House vote • 3/20/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 130 • No: 0 • Other: 6

Actions Timeline

  1. Approved by the Governor - Chapter 546

    5/12/2026

  2. Passed Enrolled

    4/10/2026House

  3. Third Reading Passed (131-0)

    4/10/2026House

  4. House Concurs Senate Amendments

    4/10/2026House

  5. Third Reading Passed (42-0)

    4/8/2026Senate

  6. Second Reading Passed with Amendments

    4/7/2026Senate

  7. Favorable with Amendments {683722/1 Adopted

    4/7/2026Senate

  8. Favorable with Amendments Report by Finance

    4/6/2026Senate

  9. Referred Finance

    3/23/2026Senate

  10. Third Reading Passed (130-0)

    3/20/2026House

  11. Second Reading Passed with Amendments

    3/19/2026House

  12. Floor Amendment {563826/1 (Delegate Grammer) Rejected

    3/19/2026House

  13. Motion Special Order until Next Session (Delegate Grammer) Adopted

    3/19/2026House

  14. Motion Special Order until Later This Session (Delegate Grammer) Adopted

    3/19/2026House

  15. Favorable with Amendments {403824/1 Adopted

    3/19/2026House

  16. Favorable with Amendments Report by Economic Matters

    3/19/2026House

  17. Hearing 3/04 at 1:30 p.m.

    3/3/2026House

  18. Hearing canceled

    3/3/2026House

  19. Hearing 3/04 at 1:00 p.m.

    2/19/2026House

  20. First Reading Economic Matters

    2/11/2026House

Bill Text

  • Enacted

    5/12/2026

    PDF

  • Enrolled

    4/10/2026

    PDF

  • Third Reading

    3/19/2026

    PDF

  • First Reading

    2/11/2026

    PDF

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