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HB1453 • 2026

Scrap metal/stolen copper

Protecting consumers by increasing penalties for scrap metal businesses who purchase stolen copper from telecommunication cables.

Passed Legislature

This bill passed both chambers and reached final enrollment, even if later executive action is not shown here.

Sponsor
Representative Griffey, Representative Couture, Representative Valdez, Representative Davis, Representative Nance, Representative Scott, Representative Simmons
Last action
2026-01-12
Official status
H ConsPro&Bus
Effective date
Not listed

Plain English Breakdown

Using official source text because the generated explanation was unavailable or could not be confirmed against the official bill text.

Scrap metal/stolen copper

Scrap metal/stolen copper

What This Bill Does

  • Scrap metal/stolen copper

Limits and Unknowns

  • This entry is temporarily using official source text because the generated explanation could not be confirmed against the official bill text during the last sync.

Bill History

  1. 2026-01-12 House

    By resolution, reintroduced and retained in present status.

Official Summary Text

Scrap metal/stolen copper

Current Bill Text

Read the full stored bill text 
AN ACT Relating to protecting consumer access to 1
telecommunications, including emergency services, by increasing 2
penalties for scrap metal businesses who purchase stolen copper from 3
telecommunication cables; amending RCW 19.290.080; and prescribing 4
penalties. 5
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:6
Sec. 1. RCW 19.290.080 and 2024 c 301 s 9 are each amended to 7
read as follows: 8
(1) Each violation of the requirements of this chapter that are 9
not subject to criminal penalties shall be a civil penalty punishable 10
by a fine of not more than $1,000. 11
(2) Within two years of a violation of any of the requirements of 12
this chapter that results in a civil penalty under this section, each 13
subsequent violation shall be punishable by a fine of not more than 14
$2,000. 15
(3)(a) A scrap metal business that engages in a pledge for, the 16
purchase of, or the trade of stolen copper that was used in 17
telecommunication cable, the theft of which can result in disruption 18
to emergency telecommunication services, is liable for a civil 19
penalty of:20
(i) Not more than $10,000 for a first violation; and21
H-0602.1
HOUSE BILL 1453
State of Washington 69th Legislature 2025 Regular Session
By Representatives Griffey, Couture, Caldier, Davis, Nance, Scott,
and Simmons
Read first time 01/21/25. Referred to Committee on Consumer
Protection & Business.
p. 1 HB 1453
(ii) Not more than $20,000 for a second violation.1
(b) A third violation of this subsection must result in loss of 2
licensure.3
--- END ---
p. 2 HB 1453