Bill > HB3504

This bill enhances the West Virginia Critical Infrastructure Protection Act by establishing comprehensive legal protections for critical infrastructure facilities, which are defined as a broad range of vital systems and assets including power plants, refineries, telecommunications infrastructure, transportation facilities, and other key economic and security-related locations. The legislation creates criminal penalties for individuals who willfully trespass on or damage these facilities, with penalties ranging from misdemeanors with fines of $250-$1,000 and up to one year in jail for simple trespass, to felonies with fines of $3,000-$10,000 and one to five years in prison for causing damage exceeding $2,500. The bill also allows for civil liability for damages and includes provisions for property forfeiture. Importantly, the law includes specific exemptions to protect legitimate activities such as labor organizing, peaceful protesting, and contractor work, ensuring that the statute does not infringe on constitutional rights like free speech and assembly. Additionally, the bill establishes legal mechanisms for prosecuting conspiracy to trespass and receiving stolen goods from critical infrastructure facilities, with potential punitive damages for offenders. The legislation aims to deter potential threats to infrastructure that could have significant economic, security, or public safety implications.

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http://www.wvlegislature.gov/Bill_Status/Bills_history.cfm?input=3504&year=2025&sessiontype=RS&btype=bill