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 clarifies the crime of unauthorized entry into a critical infrastructure facility, specifying that individuals can be charged with a Class A misdemeanor for unauthorized entry and a Class C felony if they cause damage or interfere with operations during such entry.

Additionally, the bill introduces provisions for criminal tampering, defining first and second-degree tampering offenses and their respective penalties. First-degree criminal tampering is classified as a Class C felony, while second-degree tampering is a Class B misdemeanor. The bill includes new language that protects lawful actions taken by the state, counties, or municipalities on their rights-of-way, and it specifies that actions taken within the scope of employment are exempt from certain prohibitions. 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