Illinois 104th General Assembly Status: To Executive Bipartisan · 18 R · 6 D cosponsors

HB4943      — TELECOMMUNICATIONS THEFT

Last action — Public Act . . . . . . . . . 104-0689

  1. ✓
    Introduced
  2. ✓
    In Committee
  3. ✓
    Passed House
  4. ✓
    Passed Senate
  5. 5
    To Executive
  6. 6
    Enacted

This bill has been sent to the executive. Introduced February 04, 2026. It awaits signature.

Next likely step: the executive signs it into law or issues a veto.

Odds of enactment

Moderate chance

Based on the sponsor, cosponsors, and committee posture, this bill has a moderate chance of becoming law.

Upgrade to see the exact probability and what's driving it.

A statistical estimate from our own model of past outcomes — an insight, not a guarantee. Policymaking is volatile.

Prognosis

Likely to advance 90% · high confidence

  • To Executive

    Current position in the legislative process.

  • 32 sponsors

    1 primary, 31 co-sponsors signed on.

  • Bipartisan support

    Sponsored across 2 parties (18 R · 6 D) — cross-party backing.

  • Cleared a recorded vote

    Passed 5 recorded votes so far.

Based on stage, sponsorship breadth, committee status, recorded votes, and cross-state momentum — a description of the observable signals, not a prediction.

In plain language

The bill regulates the purchase and sale of telecommunications wire to combat theft.

This bill makes it illegal for anyone to buy or sell telecommunications wire without proper authorization, targeting recyclable metal theft. It also establishes a Task Force to investigate and develop long-term solutions for this issue.

What this means for you
  • Workers: If you are involved in telecommunications, this bill may affect the regulations surrounding materials you handle.
  • Environment: This law aims to reduce theft that often leads to environmental damage from discarded telecommunications materials.

Summary

Amends the Recyclable Metal Purchase Registration Law. Provides that it is a violation of the Act for any person to possess, purchase, attempt to purchase, sell, or attempt to sell, or for any recyclable metal dealer to purchase or attempt to purchase, telecommunications wire in any amount unless the seller is an authorized agent, a representative or employee of a licensed contractor of a public utility, a provider of telecommunications services, as described in the Public Utilities Act, or a provider of broadband service, interconnected VoIP services, or wireless services, as described in the Public Utilities Act. Provides that the Recyclable Metal Theft Task Force shall review the effectiveness of its efforts in deterring and investigating the problem of recyclable metal theft specific to telecommunications wires, burned wire, and any other equipment used to provide (i) telecommunications services, as described in the Public Utilities Act, or (ii) broadband service, interconnected VoIP services, or wireless services, as described in the Public Utilities Act. Provides that the Task Force shall consider and develop long-term solutions, both legislative and enforcement-driven, for the rising problem of theft of these wires and equipment in this State. Provides that the Task Force shall be composed of one representative of a wireless telecommunications carrier. Provides that the Task Force shall, by October 31 of each year, report its findings and recommendations to the General Assembly and the Governor. Changes the definition of the term "recyclable metal". Defines the terms "burned wire" and "telecommunications wire".

Bill Text

We don't have the full text on file for this bill yet.

Read HB4943 on the official Illinois source →

Action History

  1. Public Act . . . . . . . . . 104-0689

  2. Effective Date January 1, 2027

  3. Governor Approved

  4. Sent to the Governor

  5. Passed Both Houses

  6. Third Reading - Passed; 058-000-000

  7. Added as Alternate Co-Sponsor Sen. Jason Plummer

  8. Placed on Calendar Order of 3rd Reading **

  9. Placed on Calendar Order of 3rd Reading May 20, 2026

  10. Second Reading

  11. Added as Alternate Chief Co-Sponsor Sen. Christopher Belt

  12. Added as Alternate Co-Sponsor Sen. Napoleon Harris III

  13. Placed on Calendar Order of 2nd Reading May 14, 2026

  14. Do Pass Criminal Law; 010-000-000

  15. Rule 2-10 Committee Deadline Established As May 15, 2026

  16. Added as Alternate Co-Sponsor Sen. Craig Wilcox

  17. Added as Alternate Co-Sponsor Sen. Donald P. DeWitte

  18. Added as Alternate Co-Sponsor Sen. Dave Syverson

  19. Added as Alternate Co-Sponsor Sen. Dale Fowler

  20. Assigned to Criminal Law

  21. Added Co-Sponsor Rep. Christopher "C.D." Davidsmeyer

  22. Added Co-Sponsor Rep. Amy Elik

  23. Referred to Assignments

  24. First Reading

  25. Chief Senate Sponsor Sen. Elgie R. Sims, Jr.

  26. Placed on Calendar Order of First Reading

  27. Arrive in Senate

  28. Added Co-Sponsor Rep. Joyce Mason

  29. Added Co-Sponsor Rep. Mary Gill

  30. Added Co-Sponsor Rep. Jackie Haas

  31. Added Co-Sponsor Rep. Jennifer Sanalitro

  32. Added Co-Sponsor Rep. Charles Meier

  33. Added Co-Sponsor Rep. Kevin Schmidt

  34. Added Co-Sponsor Rep. Brandun Schweizer

  35. Third Reading - Short Debate - Passed 098-000-000

  36. Added Chief Co-Sponsor Rep. Nicole La Ha

  37. Added Chief Co-Sponsor Rep. Patrick Sheehan

  38. Added Co-Sponsor Rep. Patrick Windhorst

  39. Added Co-Sponsor Rep. Jeff Keicher

  40. Added Chief Co-Sponsor Rep. Brad Stephens

  41. Added Co-Sponsor Rep. John M. Cabello

  42. Added Co-Sponsor Rep. Norine K. Hammond

  43. Added Chief Co-Sponsor Rep. Michael J. Coffey, Jr.

  44. Placed on Calendar Order of 3rd Reading - Short Debate

  45. Second Reading - Short Debate

  46. House Floor Amendment No. 2 Adopted

  47. Added Co-Sponsor Rep. Dave Vella

  48. Added Co-Sponsor Rep. Matt Hanson

  49. Added Co-Sponsor Rep. Jason R. Bunting

  50. Added Co-Sponsor Rep. Daniel J. Ugaste

  51. Added Co-Sponsor Rep. Kyle Moore

  52. House Floor Amendment No. 2 Recommends Be Adopted Public Utilities Committee; 015-000-000

  53. House Floor Amendment No. 2 Rules Refers to Public Utilities Committee

  54. House Floor Amendment No. 2 Referred to Rules Committee

  55. House Floor Amendment No. 2 Filed with Clerk by Rep. Jay Hoffman

  56. Placed on Calendar 2nd Reading - Short Debate

  57. Added Co-Sponsor Rep. Jawaharial Williams

  58. House Committee Amendment No. 1 Tabled

  59. Do Pass / Short Debate Public Utilities Committee; 017-000-000

  60. House Committee Amendment No. 1 Rules Refers to Public Utilities Committee

  61. House Committee Amendment No. 1 Referred to Rules Committee

  62. House Committee Amendment No. 1 Filed with Clerk by Rep. Jay Hoffman

  63. Assigned to Public Utilities Committee

  64. Referred to Rules Committee

  65. First Reading

  66. Filed with the Clerk by Rep. Jay Hoffman

Sponsors

Sponsorship breakdown

Export CSV (upgrade) →

1 sponsors · 31 co-sponsors · 151 not signed on

Sponsors (1)

Co-sponsors (31)

Not signed on (151)

151 members have not signed on to this bill.

Show all 151 →

"Not signed on" means a member has not sponsored or co-sponsored this bill — it does not imply opposition. Members flagged Voted No have a recorded No vote on this bill.

Whip count is in markup. Polling the chamber and every recorded vote this session. Only the first open is slow. It’s instant for you after this. Calling the roll · Tallying · Engrossing

Votes

May 21, 2026

Passed 58 Yea · 0 Nay
Party YeaNayPresentNot Voting
Republican 18001
Democrat 38000
Unaffiliated 1000
Total 57001
% of votes cast 98%0%0%2%
How each member voted (58)
Member Party Vote
Johnson — Yea
Bill Cunningham Democrat Yea
Celina Villanueva Democrat Yea
Christopher Belt Democrat Yea
Cristina Castro Democrat Yea
David Koehler Democrat Yea
Doris Turner Democrat Yea
Elgie R. Sims, Jr. Democrat Yea
Graciela Guzmán Democrat Yea
Javier L. Cervantes Democrat Yea
Julie A. Morrison Democrat Yea
Karina Villa Democrat Yea
Kimberly A. Lightford Democrat Yea
Lakesia Collins Democrat Yea
Laura Ellman Democrat Yea
Laura Fine Democrat Yea
Laura M. Murphy Democrat Yea
Linda Holmes Democrat Yea
Mark L. Walker Democrat Yea
Mary Edly-Allen Democrat Yea
Mattie Hunter Democrat Yea
Meg Loughran Cappel Democrat Yea
Michael E. Hastings Democrat Yea
Michael W. Halpin Democrat Yea
Mike Porfirio Democrat Yea
Mike Simmons Democrat Yea
Napoleon Harris III Democrat Yea
Omar Aquino Democrat Yea
Patrick J. Joyce Democrat Yea
Paul Faraci Democrat Yea
Rachel Ventura Democrat Yea
Ram Villivalam Democrat Yea
Robert F. Martwick Democrat Yea
Robert Peters Democrat Yea
Sara Feigenholtz Democrat Yea
Steve Stadelman Democrat Yea
Suzy Glowiak Hilton Democrat Yea
Thaddeus Jones Democrat Yea
Willie Preston Democrat Yea
Andrew S. Chesney Republican Yea
Chapin Rose Republican Yea
Chris Balkema Republican Yea
Craig Wilcox Republican Yea
Dale Fowler Republican Yea
Darby A. Hills Republican Yea
Dave Syverson Republican Yea
Donald P. DeWitte Republican Yea
Erica Harriss Republican Yea
Jason Plummer Republican Yea
Jil Tracy Republican Yea
John F. Curran Republican Yea
Li Arellano, Jr. Republican Not Voting
Neil Anderson Republican Yea
Sally J. Turner Republican Yea
Seth Lewis Republican Yea
Steve McClure Republican Yea
Sue Rezin Republican Yea
Terri Bryant Republican Yea

Official roll call →

Criminal Law

Passed 10 Yea · 0 Nay
Party YeaNayPresentNot Voting
Republican 3000
Democrat 7000
Total 10000
% of votes cast 100%0%0%0%
How each member voted (10)
Member Party Vote
Celina Villanueva Democrat Yea
Elgie R. Sims, Jr. Democrat Yea
Javier L. Cervantes Democrat Yea
Lakesia Collins Democrat Yea
Michael W. Halpin Democrat Yea
Robert F. Martwick Democrat Yea
Robert Peters Democrat Yea
Jil Tracy Republican Yea
Steve McClure Republican Yea
Terri Bryant Republican Yea

Official roll call →

Third Reading

Passed 98 Yea · 0 Nay
Party YeaNayPresentNot Voting
Democrat 67008
Republican 31008
Unaffiliated 0003
Total 980019
% of votes cast 84%0%0%16%
How each member voted (117)
Member Party Vote
Jacobs — Not Voting
Johnson — Not Voting
Hernandez, Lisa — Not Voting
Aarón M. Ortíz Democrat Yea
Abdelnasser Rashid Democrat Yea
Amy Briel Democrat Yea
Angelica Guerrero-Cuellar Democrat Yea
Ann M. Williams Democrat Yea
Anna Moeller Democrat Yea
Anne Stava Democrat Yea
Anthony DeLuca Democrat Not Voting
Barbara Hernandez Democrat Yea
Bob Morgan Democrat Yea
Camille Y. Lilly Democrat Yea
Carol Ammons Democrat Yea
Curtis J. Tarver, II Democrat Yea
Dagmara Avelar Democrat Yea
Daniel Didech Democrat Yea
Dave Vella Democrat Yea
Debbie Meyers-Martin Democrat Yea
Diane Blair-Sherlock Democrat Yea
Edgar González, Jr. Democrat Yea
Eva-Dina Delgado Democrat Not Voting
Fred Crespo Democrat Yea
Harry Benton Democrat Yea
Hoan Huynh Democrat Not Voting
Jaime M. Andrade, Jr. Democrat Yea
Janet Yang Rohr Democrat Yea
Jawaharial Williams Democrat Yea
Jay Hoffman Democrat Yea
Jehan Gordon-Booth Democrat Yea
Jennifer Gong-Gershowitz Democrat Yea
Joyce Mason Democrat Yea
Justin Cochran Democrat Yea
Justin Slaughter Democrat Yea
Kam Buckner Democrat Yea
Katie Stuart Democrat Not Voting
Kelly M. Cassidy Democrat Yea
Kevin John Olickal Democrat Yea
Kimberly Du Buclet Democrat Yea
La Shawn K. Ford Democrat Not Voting
Laura Faver Dias Democrat Yea
Lawrence "Larry" Walsh, Jr. Democrat Yea
Lilian Jiménez Democrat Yea
Lindsey LaPointe Democrat Yea
Lisa Davis Democrat Yea
Marcus C. Evans, Jr. Democrat Not Voting
Margaret A. DeLaRosa Democrat Yea
Margaret Croke Democrat Yea
Martha Deuter Democrat Yea
Mary Beth Canty Democrat Yea
Mary Gill Democrat Yea
Matt Hanson Democrat Yea
Maura Hirschauer Democrat Yea
Maurice A. West, II Democrat Yea
Michael Crawford Democrat Yea
Michael J. Kelly Democrat Not Voting
Michelle Mussman Democrat Yea
Nabeela Syed Democrat Yea
Natalie A. Manley Democrat Yea
Nicholas K. Smith Democrat Yea
Nicolle Grasse Democrat Yea
Norma Hernandez Democrat Yea
Rick Ryan Democrat Yea
Rita Mayfield Democrat Yea
Robert "Bob" Rita Democrat Yea
Robyn Gabel Democrat Yea
Sharon Chung Democrat Yea
Sonya M. Harper Democrat Yea
Stephanie A. Kifowit Democrat Yea
Sue Scherer Democrat Yea
Suzanne M. Ness Democrat Yea
Thaddeus Jones Democrat Not Voting
Theresa Mah Democrat Yea
Tracy Katz Muhl Democrat Yea
Will Guzzardi Democrat Yea
William "Will" Davis Democrat Yea
Yolonda Morris Democrat Yea
Adam M. Niemerg Republican Yea
Amy Elik Republican Yea
Amy L. Grant Republican Yea
Blaine Wilhour Republican Not Voting
Brad Halbrook Republican Yea
Brad Stephens Republican Yea
Bradley Fritts Republican Yea
Brandun Schweizer Republican Yea
Charles Meier Republican Yea
Chris Miller Republican Yea
Christopher "C.D." Davidsmeyer Republican Not Voting
Dan Swanson Republican Yea
Daniel J. Ugaste Republican Yea
Dave Severin Republican Yea
David Friess Republican Yea
Dennis Tipsword Republican Not Voting
Jackie Haas Republican Yea
Jason R. Bunting Republican Yea
Jed Davis Republican Yea
Jeff Keicher Republican Yea
Jennifer Sanalitro Republican Yea
Joe C. Sosnowski Republican Not Voting
John M. Cabello Republican Yea
Kevin Schmidt Republican Yea
Kyle Moore Republican Yea
Martin McLaughlin Republican Yea
Michael J. Coffey, Jr. Republican Yea
Nicole La Ha Republican Yea
Norine K. Hammond Republican Not Voting
Patrick Sheehan Republican Yea
Patrick Windhorst Republican Yea
Regan Deering Republican Yea
Ryan Spain Republican Yea
Steven Reick Republican Yea
Tom Weber Republican Yea
Tony M. McCombie Republican Yea
Travis Weaver Republican Not Voting
Wayne A. Rosenthal Republican Not Voting
William E Hauter Republican Not Voting

Official roll call →

Public Utilities

Passed 15 Yea · 0 Nay · 5 Other
Party YeaNayPresentNot Voting
Republican 4003
Democrat 11002
Total 15005
% of votes cast 75%0%0%25%
How each member voted (20)
Member Party Vote
Angelica Guerrero-Cuellar Democrat Yea
Barbara Hernandez Democrat Yea
Dave Vella Democrat Yea
Eva-Dina Delgado Democrat Yea
Fred Crespo Democrat Yea
Jaime M. Andrade, Jr. Democrat Not Voting
Jawaharial Williams Democrat Not Voting
Jay Hoffman Democrat Yea
Justin Slaughter Democrat Yea
Kimberly Du Buclet Democrat Yea
Lawrence "Larry" Walsh, Jr. Democrat Yea
Nabeela Syed Democrat Yea
Rita Mayfield Democrat Yea
Brad Halbrook Republican Not Voting
Christopher "C.D." Davidsmeyer Republican Not Voting
Daniel J. Ugaste Republican Yea
Jason R. Bunting Republican Yea
Kyle Moore Republican Yea
Michael J. Coffey, Jr. Republican Yea
Norine K. Hammond Republican Not Voting

Official roll call →

Public Utilities

Passed 17 Yea · 0 Nay · 3 Other
Party YeaNayPresentNot Voting
Republican 6001
Democrat 11002
Total 17003
% of votes cast 85%0%0%15%
How each member voted (20)
Member Party Vote
Angelica Guerrero-Cuellar Democrat Yea
Barbara Hernandez Democrat Yea
Dave Vella Democrat Yea
Eva-Dina Delgado Democrat Yea
Fred Crespo Democrat Yea
Jawaharial Williams Democrat Yea
Jay Hoffman Democrat Yea
Justin Slaughter Democrat Not Voting
Kimberly Du Buclet Democrat Yea
Lawrence "Larry" Walsh, Jr. Democrat Yea
Mary Gill Democrat Yea
Nabeela Syed Democrat Yea
Rita Mayfield Democrat Not Voting
Brad Halbrook Republican Yea
Christopher "C.D." Davidsmeyer Republican Yea
Daniel J. Ugaste Republican Yea
Dave Severin Republican Yea
Jason R. Bunting Republican Not Voting
Kyle Moore Republican Yea
Michael J. Coffey, Jr. Republican Yea

Official roll call →

Subjects

public-safety technology
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Frequently asked questions

What does HB4943      do?
Amends the Recyclable Metal Purchase Registration Law. Provides that it is a violation of the Act for any person to possess, purchase, attempt to purchase, sell, or attempt to sell, or for any recyclable metal dealer to purchase or attempt to purchase, telecommunications wire in any amount unless the seller is an authorized agent, a representative or employee of a licensed contractor of a public utility, a provider of telecommunications services, as described in the Public Utilities Act, or a provider of broadband service, interconnected VoIP services, or wireless services, as described in the Public Utilities Act. Provides that the Recyclable Metal Theft Task Force shall review the effectiveness of its efforts in deterring and investigating the problem of recyclable metal theft specific to telecommunications wires, burned wire, and any other equipment used to provide (i) telecommunications services, as described in the Public Utilities Act, or (ii) broadband service, interconnected VoIP services, or wireless services, as described in the Public Utilities Act. Provides that the Task Force shall consider and develop long-term solutions, both legislative and enforcement-driven, for the rising problem of theft of these wires and equipment in this State. Provides that the Task Force shall be composed of one representative of a wireless telecommunications carrier. Provides that the Task Force shall, by October 31 of each year, report its findings and recommendations to the General Assembly and the Governor. Changes the definition of the term "recyclable metal". Defines the terms "burned wire" and "telecommunications wire".
Who sponsors HB4943     ?
HB4943      is sponsored by Jay Hoffman (Democrat), Michael J. Coffey, Jr. (Republican), Brad Stephens (Republican), Patrick Sheehan (Republican), Nicole La Ha (Republican), Elgie R. Sims, Jr., Christopher Belt, Dale Fowler, Dave Syverson, Donald P. DeWitte, Craig Wilcox, Napoleon Harris III, Jason Plummer, Jawaharial Williams (Democrat), Kyle Moore (Republican), Daniel J. Ugaste (Republican), Jason R. Bunting (Republican), Matt Hanson (Democrat), Dave Vella (Democrat), Norine K. Hammond (Republican), John M. Cabello (Republican), Jeff Keicher (Republican), Patrick Windhorst (Republican), Brandun Schweizer (Republican), Kevin Schmidt (Republican), Charles Meier (Republican), Jennifer Sanalitro (Republican), Jackie Haas (Republican), Mary Gill (Democrat), Joyce Mason (Democrat), Amy Elik (Republican), and Christopher "C.D." Davidsmeyer (Republican).
What is the current status of HB4943     ?
This bill has been sent to the executive. Introduced February 04, 2026. It awaits signature.
Where can I track HB4943     ?
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