Bill > HB3557

This bill, titled the Critical Infrastructure Protection Act, creates new criminal offenses and civil liability for engaging in certain conduct involving critical infrastructure facilities in Texas. The bill defines "critical infrastructure facility" to include various types of energy, water, telecommunications, and transportation facilities, as well as pipelines. The key provisions of the bill include: - Creating criminal offenses for intentionally or knowingly damaging or destroying a critical infrastructure facility, impairing or interrupting its operation, or entering with the intent to do so. The offenses range from a state jail felony to a third-degree felony, with the possibility of fines for corporations. - Allowing for civil liability and damages, including exemplary damages, for any person or organization that engages in conduct constituting these criminal offenses, regardless of whether they are actually prosecuted. - Specifying that certain provisions of Texas law, such as those related to strategic lawsuits against public participation (SLAPP suits), do not apply to these civil liability claims. Overall, the bill aims to increase protections for critical infrastructure in Texas and impose both criminal and civil consequences for damaging or interfering with such facilities.

Agriculture and Natural Resources, Justice

https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=86R&Bill=HB3557