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6/24/2026
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Law enacted to protect telecommunications equipment from theft and vandalism
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STATE HOUSE — Legislation introduced by House Speaker Pro Tempore Brian Patrick Kennedy and Sen. Matthew L. LaMountain to add telecommunications infrastructure to a law protecting electric and communications lines from tampering has been signed into law.
“We’ve seen a significant increase in the theft of copper and engineering equipment from these sites,” said Representative Kennedy (D-Dist. 38, Hopkinton, Westerly). “Perpetrators steal batteries and power cables from wireless towers and small cell sites, cut copper and other communication lines, and willfully and intentionally destroy wireless sites and fiber optic lines.”
The law (2026-H 7173aa, 2026-S 2601A) adds telecommunications materials and equipment to the state’s utilities and scrap metal laws and improve providers’ ability to strengthen protective security at telecommunications sites.
Speaker Pro Tempore Kennedy attended a presentation on the issue at a September event sponsored by the National Conference of State Legislatures and returned determined to address the issue of vandalism in Rhode Island.
“This legislation addresses a troubling trend where attacks are increasing and consumers are bearing the burden of the costs,” said Senator LaMountain (D-Dist. 31, Warwick, Cranston), who chairs the Senate Judiciary Committee. “These incidents can disrupt emergency response and public safety communications, as well as business operations, healthcare, transportation, and everyday connectivity.”
The Rhode Island Department of Transportation is facing a costly and dangerous challenge after thieves embezzled roughly 11 miles of electrical wire from highways around the state, leaving long stretches of roads without highway lighting. Thieves accessed manhole covers to access and steal underground electrical wire during November and December 2025, and the cost to replace the wiring materials is estimated at over $470,000, not including the labor to reinstall it.
For more information, contact:
Daniel Trafford, Publicist
State House Room 20
Providence, RI 02903
(401)222-1922
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