BILL ANALYSIS
By: Pena
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE
Under current law, penalties for theft generally vary by the value of the item stolen. Theft of aluminum wiring, bronze wiring, and copper wiring has increased recently in Texas as the price of these metals has increased.
H.B. 1766 makes the penalty for the theft of certain wire or cable that mainly consists of aluminum, bronze or copper and with a value of less than $20,000 a state jail felony.
RULEMAKING AUTHORITY
It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, department, agency, or institution.
ANALYSIS
House Bill 1766 amends the Penal Code to make the theft of insulated or noninsulated wire or cable that consists of at least 50 percent aluminum, bronze or copper and that has a value of less than $20,000, a state jail felony. The application of this Act is prospective.
EFFECTIVE DATE
September 1, 2007.