GENERAL ASSEMBLY APPROVES STORM BILL TO COMBAT COPPER THEFT, PROTECT INFRASTRUCTURE
FRANKFORT, KY. (March 31, 2026) — Legislation sponsored by Sen. Brandon J. Storm, R-London, aimed at cracking down on metal theft and modernizing oversight of secondary metals recyclers has cleared the General Assembly and now heads to the governor’s desk.
The Kentucky Senate voted to concur with House changes to Senate Bill (SB) 291, finalizing the measure after it passed both chambers.
SB 291 modernizes Kentucky’s laws governing secondary metals recyclers by creating a uniform statewide licensing system under the Kentucky Motor Vehicle Commission and strengthening reporting requirements for metals transactions. The legislation is intended to address the growing theft of copper and other infrastructure materials that can disrupt telecommunications, broadband, utilities, and public safety communications.
“Metal theft isn’t just a property crime," Storm said. “It can disrupt essential services that communities rely on every day. This legislation strengthens oversight of recyclers, improves transaction reporting and gives law enforcement better tools to track stolen materials and hold bad actors accountable. It’s a practical step toward protecting critical infrastructure while ensuring legitimate recyclers can continue operating under clear, consistent rules.”
During consideration in the House, lawmakers adopted a committee substitute that retains the bill’s core framework while reflecting additional collaboration between the recycling industry and telecommunications providers.
The House changes require law enforcement agencies to provide recyclers with lists of individuals convicted of thefts involving metals and clarify that information reported through the LeadsOnline database—used to track metals transactions—may only be accessed by law enforcement agencies and regulatory bodies.
Rep. John Blanton, R-Salyersville, who carried the bill in the House, said the legislation strengthens efforts to deter infrastructure theft while maintaining cooperation with the recycling industry.
"Copper theft and other metal-related crimes threaten our power lines, communications systems, and other critical infrastructure. Senate Bill 291 gives law enforcement the tools they need to track stolen materials and hold offenders accountable. This builds on last year’s efforts to ensure our infrastructure and communities are better protected and I appreciate Sen. Storm’s work on this bill."
SB 291 also updates and consolidates several sections of Kentucky law to streamline regulation of recyclers and improve statewide oversight.
Because the measure includes an emergency clause, it will take effect immediately upon the governor’s signature.
Learn more about bills, committees, and other important updates on the 2026 Regular Session at www.kylegislature.gov.