A person may not sell or attempt to sell, and a valuable metal dealer may not purchase or attempt to purchase, telecommunications network wire in any amount, unless:

1. (1) the seller is an authorized agent, representative, or employee of a telecommunications provider, broadband provider, or public utility;

2. (2) the seller:

   1. (A) is authorized by the state to conduct business in Indiana;
   2. (B) is an employee or authorized agent of a business that, in the normal course of operations, handles salvaged telecommunications network wire, including building contractors and demolition firms; and
   3. (C) presents to the valuable metal dealer for inspection a valid certificate of existence or good standing issued by the state of Indiana;
3. (3) the seller holds an amateur radio service license issued by the Federal Communications Commission under 47 CFR, Part 97; or
4. (4) the seller is a retail seller that possesses a bill of sale, purchase receipt, or certificate of ownership signed by an employee of a telecommunications company stating that the seller is the lawful owner of the telecommunications network wire. This certificate of ownership must be provided on the telecommunications company's business letterhead and must provide the date on which the telecommunications network wire was acquired by the seller and a description of how the telecommunications network wire was acquired. A valuable metal dealer that purchases telecommunications network wire under this subdivision must maintain an electronic copy of the bill of sale, purchase receipt, or certificate of ownership provided by the retail seller for two (2) years.

As added by P.L.142-2026, SEC.4.