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. Key insertions include a more comprehensive definition of "critical infrastructure facility," which now explicitly lists various types of facilities such as chemical manufacturing plants, pipelines, electrical power generating facilities, and newly added categories like defense contractor facilities and pulp and paper manufacturing facilities. The bill also clarifies the crime of unauthorized entry into these facilities, establishing that such actions can lead to a Class A misdemeanor, while more severe actions that damage or interfere with critical infrastructure can result in a Class C felony.

Additionally, the bill modifies the definitions and penalties for criminal tampering, introducing the terms "intentionally" and "recklessly" to the criteria for first and second-degree tampering offenses. Criminal tampering in the first degree is classified as a Class C felony, while second-degree tampering is a Class B misdemeanor. The bill also includes provisions that protect lawful actions taken by state, county, or municipal entities on their rights-of-way and specifies that actions taken within the scope of employment are exempt from certain penalties. 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