The bill amends Sections 13A-7-4.3, 13A-7-25, and 13A-7-26 of the Code of Alabama 1975 to enhance the definitions and penalties related to crimes involving critical infrastructure facilities. Notably, the definition of "critical infrastructure facility" is expanded to include various types of facilities such as defense contractor facilities and pulp and paper manufacturing facilities, while deleting the previous reference to "wireline or wireless communications infrastructure." The bill also introduces new provisions regarding unauthorized entry into critical infrastructure facilities, specifying that such actions can result in a Class A misdemeanor, while more severe actions that cause damage or disruption can lead to a Class C felony.

Additionally, the bill modifies the definitions and penalties for criminal tampering, allowing for charges of first-degree criminal tampering to be classified as a Class C felony if substantial service interruption occurs, and second-degree criminal tampering as a Class B misdemeanor. The amendments include the insertion of terms like "recklessly" in the context of tampering and clarify that lawful actions by state or local governments on their rights-of-way are not prohibited. The act is set to take effect on October 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 13A-7-25, 13A-7-26
Engrossed: 13A-7-25, 13A-7-26
Enrolled: 13A-7-25, 13A-7-26