Senate Bill 58 Summary

• Creates new offense of injuring energy facility (G.S. 14-150.2) making it unlawful to knowingly and willfully destroy, damage, or obstruct energy facilities including electricity, fuel, and research/development infrastructure, with penalties of Class C felony or Class B2 felony if death results.

• Imposes mandatory fine of $250,000 for violations of the energy facility offense and allows civil remedies including treble damages, punitive damages without cap limitations, and recovery of attorney fees.

• Elevates first degree trespass on critical infrastructure facilities from Class A1 misdemeanor to Class I felony when committed on electric generation facilities, water systems, natural gas facilities, agricultural facilities, energy facilities, and wastewater treatment facilities.

• Upgrades unlawful injury to telephone, telegraph, broadband, broadcast, or cable telecommunications lines and fixtures from Class I felony to Class C felony.

• Effective December 1, 2023, applies to offenses committed on or after that date.