SB 782 Maryland Senate · 2026 Regular Session

Telecommunications Infrastructure - Protections

SB 782 requires junk dealers, scrap metal processors, and antique dealers in Maryland to register with local law enforcement when purchasing telecommunications equipment, providing details like the seller’s name, address, and purchase date. It prohibits these businesses from buying such equipment except by mailing checks to the seller’s address and bans selling or disposing of the equipment for 30 days after purchase. The bill also defines telecommunications infrastructure broadly (including cell towers, fiber cables, and antennas) and prohibits reckless or malicious damage to it, with violations punishable as felonies. Penalties for noncompliance include license revocation, fines up to $2,000, or felony charges with up to 6 months in jail and $5,000 fines.

Bill status passed 3 of 5 stages cleared

Introduction

Feb 2026

Committee Review

Apr 2026

Senate Passage

Apr 2026

House of Delegates Passage

Governor

Introduced Feb 6, 2026 Last action Apr 13, 2026

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What changed between versions

First - Telecommunications Infrastructure - Protections → Third - Telecommunications Infrastructure - Protections · 4 edits

MODERATE

The bill was amended to expand the definition of 'telecommunications equipment' to explicitly include items like antennas, burned wires, and power inverters, while clarifying that sellers must have lawful authority to sell such items. Additionally, the repeal of existing statutes was updated to include new sections, and the criminal penalties for destroying infrastructure were increased from a misdemeanor to a felony.

Scope change

The bill's scope was broadened to cover a wider array of specific telecommunications components and strengthened the legal consequences for destroying infrastructure.

DEFINITION

The definition of 'telecommunications equipment' was expanded to explicitly list antennas, burned wires, busbars, fiber optic cables, power inverters, and materials with identifiable ownership markers.

REQUIREMENT

New requirements were added stating that appropriate authorization for selling telecommunications equipment includes a bill of sale, receipt, letter of authorization, or other documentary evidence proving the seller's lawful authority.

ENFORCEMENT

The penalty for violating the destruction of telecommunications infrastructure provisions was increased from a misdemeanor (fine up to $2,000) to a felony (imprisonment up to 6 months or fine up to $5,000).

TECHNICAL

The list of repealed statutes was updated to include Section 17-1009(d) and Section 17-1001(f)(1)(ii)9.(2), reflecting the addition of new clauses to the bill.

Floor votes · Senate Mar 19, 2026

How they voted

45–0

Passed · 4 other

Total votes 49

Mar 19, 2026

D Democratic36

32 Yea 4

88% Yea

R Republican13

13 Yea

100% Yea

Vote distribution

All Yea All Nay Mixed No data

Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions

Key actions

Committee

Apr 13, 2026

Committee

Rereferred to Economic Matters

lower

Apr 8, 2026

Committee

Referred Rules and Executive Nominations

lower

Apr 8, 2026

Upper · Passed

Third Reading Passed

upper

Apr 7, 2026

Upper · Passed

Favorable with Amendments {

upper

Apr 6, 2026

Upper · Passed

Favorable with Amendments Report by Finance

upper

Mar 19, 2026

Senate · Passed

Senate Vote: pass (45-0-4)

senate

Feb 6, 2026

Committee

First Reading Finance

upper

1 primary · 0 co-sponsors