STORM CELEBRATES INFRASTRUCTURE BILL BEING SIGNED INTO LAW BY GOVERNOR

STORM CELEBRATES INFRASTRUCTURE BILL BEING SIGNED INTO LAW BY GOVERNOR

FRANKFORT, KY (March 20, 2025)—Senate Bill (SB) 64, which expands protections for Kentucky’s critical infrastructure to include cable, telephone, broadband and electrical highway infrastructure, was signed into law by Governor Andy Beshear on Wednesday. The following is a statement by the primary bill sponsor, Sen. Brandon Storm, R-London, regarding the bill's signing.

“With the Governor’s signature, Senate Bill 64 officially became law to strengthen protections for Kentucky’s critical infrastructure and ensure uninterrupted essential services for our communities. This legislation addresses the growing threat of copper theft, which has caused dangerous 911 outages, power failures, and costly repairs across the commonwealth.

“By expanding legal safeguards to include cable, telephone, broadband, and electrical highway infrastructure, SB 64 sends a clear message that we will not tolerate crimes that jeopardize public safety and service reliability. With its emergency clause, these protections take effect immediately to provide much-needed security for vital infrastructure.

“I appreciate the collaborative efforts of all stakeholders who worked with me on this legislation and my colleagues in the General Assembly for their support in passing this important bill.”

SB 64 strengthens protections for Kentucky’s critical infrastructure by expanding legal safeguards to include cable, telephone, broadband, and electrical highway infrastructure. This legislation addresses the growing issue of copper theft, which has led to 911 outages, power failures, and costly repairs. By enhancing penalties for theft and vandalism, SB 64 prioritizes public safety and service reliability. The bill includes an emergency clause, ensuring it takes effect immediately upon the governor’s signature.

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Sen. Brandon J. Storm, R-London, represents the 21st Senate District, including Casey, Lincoln, Laurel, and Rockcastle Counties. He serves as chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee and as Senate co-chair of the Juvenile Justice Oversight Council. Storm is also a member of the Senate Committees on Transportation and on Banking and Insurance. He serves as a liaison member of the Budget Review Subcommittee on Justice. A 2023 esteemed Henry Toll Fellowship graduate, Storm was the only Kentuckian to participate in the program. 

For a high-resolution .jpeg of Storm, please visit: https://legislature.ky.gov/Legislators/Pages/Legislator-Profile.aspx?DistrictNumber=121.