A bill to amend section 1362 of title 18, United States Code, to address vandalism of copper, fiber, and coaxial cables used to provide telecommunications and information services.
Latest action (30 Sep 2026): Introduced
What this bill does
This bill, titled "A bill to amend section 1362 of title 18, United States Code, to address vandalism of copper, fiber, and coaxial cables used to provide telecommunications and information services," aims to update existing federal law. The specific changes involve how federal law addresses acts of vandalism against these types of cables.
The legislation, sponsored by Senator Eric Schmitt from Missouri, is intended to impact individuals who vandalize copper, fiber, and coaxial cables that are essential for telecommunications and information services. The exact nature of the amendments to section 1362 of title 18 of the U.S. Code, and therefore the precise penalties or definitions involved, will be detailed in the full text of the bill, which has not yet been published.
As of its introduction on September 30, 2026, S. 5617 is in the early stages of the legislative process. It has been introduced in the 119th Congress. Following its introduction, the bill would typically be referred to a committee for review, where it could be debated, amended, and potentially voted on before proceeding to further stages in Congress.
Plain-English summary generated by Bill100 AI from the official record. Always verify against the source below.
Official summary
This bill is in the first stage of the legislative process. It was introduced into Congress on September 30, 2026. It will typically be considered by committee next before it is possibly sent on to the House or Senate as a whole.
Common questions
- What does S. 5617 do?
- This bill, titled "A bill to amend section 1362 of title 18, United States Code, to address vandalism of copper, fiber, and coaxial cables used to provide telecommunications and information services," aims to update existing federal law. The specific changes involve how federal law addresses acts of vandalism against these types of cables. The legislation, sponsored by Senator Eric Schmitt from Missouri, is intended to impact individuals who vandalize copper, fiber, and coaxial cables that are essential for telecommunications and information services. The exact nature of the amendments to section 1362 of title 18 of the U.S. Code, and therefore the precise penalties or definitions involved, will be detailed in the full text of the bill, which has not yet been published. As of its introduction on September 30, 2026, S. 5617 is in the early stages of the legislative process. It has been introduced in the 119th Congress. Following its introduction, the bill would typically be referred to a committee for review, where it could be debated, amended, and potentially voted on before proceeding to further stages in Congress.
- Has S. 5617 become law?
- Not yet. As of 30 Sep 2026, S. 5617 is introduced.
- Who sponsored S. 5617?
- S. 5617 was sponsored by Sen. Eric Schmitt [R-MO] (Republican-MO), with 0 cosponsors.
- What's the latest action on S. 5617?
- Introduced (30 Sep 2026).
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