The proposed legislation, known as the Technology and Energy for Sustainable Logistics Act (TESLA), aims to enhance the definition of "critical infrastructure" in Arkansas law by including electric vehicle charging stations. This addition is significant as it recognizes the growing importance of electric vehicle infrastructure in the context of criminal offenses related to property damage or destruction. The act seeks to ensure that electric vehicle charging stations are afforded the same protections as other critical infrastructure facilities, which include various manufacturing, telecommunications, and energy-related facilities.

In the bill, the existing definition of critical infrastructure is amended to incorporate electric vehicle charging stations as a new category of protected facilities. This change is marked by the insertion of language that explicitly identifies electric vehicle charging stations as critical infrastructure, thereby expanding the scope of protections under Arkansas law. The act does not include any deletions from the current law but rather builds upon it to address the evolving landscape of energy and transportation infrastructure.

Statutes affected:
Old version HB1980 V2 - 4-7-2025 11:13 AM: 5-38-101(2)
Old version HB1980 Original - 4-2-2025 05:59 PM: 5-38-101(2)
HB 1980: 5-38-101(2)