REPUBLICAN SENATOR STEVE NEVILLE OF FARMINGTON WANTS TO INCREASE THE PENALTIES FOR THOSE CONVICTED OF STEALING COPPER AND OTHER METALS. HE'S INTRODUCED SENATE BILL 21, WHICH LINKS THE VALUE OF THE DAMAGE DONE TO THE SEVERITY OF THE PUNISHMENT.
HE SAYS CURRENTLY THE PUNISHMENT IS SO TEPID, THERE'S NO FEAR OF BEING CAUGHT AND PROSECUTED FOR STEALING METALS.. NEVILLE SAYS THE THEFTS CAN SHUT DOWN A HOSPITAL OR DERAIL 911 CALLS FOR A NEIGHBORHOOD.
THE BILL MAKES IT A 2ND DEGREE FELONY IF THE COST TO REPAIR THE DAMAGE IS MORE THAT 20-THOUSAND DOLLARS. IT'S NOW HEADED TO THE SENATE JUDICIARY COMMITTEE WHERE A SIMILAR LEGISLATION DIED LAST YEAR.
