HB453 Summary

• Amends Alabama Code Section 13A-7-4.3 to expand the definition of "critical infrastructure facility" to include 23 specific types of facilities such as power plants, pipelines, water treatment plants, telecommunications infrastructure, dams, and mining operations.

• Defines unauthorized entry of a critical infrastructure facility as a Class A misdemeanor when a person intentionally enters without authority, uses fraudulent identification documents, remains after being forbidden, or enters restricted areas that are physically enclosed or marked.

• Elevates the offense to a Class C felony if the person injures, removes, destroys, or breaks critical infrastructure property, or otherwise interrupts or interferes with operations of a critical infrastructure asset during the unauthorized entry.

• Establishes a Class C felony for unauthorized entry while possessing or operating an unmanned aircraft system with an attached weapon, firearm, explosive, destructive device, or ammunition.

• Includes carve-outs protecting lawful assembly, peaceful petition for redress of grievances (including labor disputes), and the state, counties, and municipalities' lawful actions on rights-of-way; effective October 1, 2024.