Bill > SB683

This bill amends Pennsylvania's criminal code to create new offenses and penalties related to critical infrastructure facilities, broadly defined as systems and assets vital to security, economic stability, and public safety. The bill establishes two primary types of criminal offenses: trespassing and vandalism at these facilities. For trespassing, individuals who willfully enter a critical infrastructure facility without permission can face misdemeanor charges with fines of at least $500 and up to 30 days in jail for a first offense. If the trespass is done with intent to damage or impede operations, it becomes a more serious third-degree felony with potential imprisonment of one to three years and fines of at least $1,000. The vandalism provisions create felony charges for deliberately damaging equipment at these facilities, with potential imprisonment of one to five years and fines starting at $2,000. The bill provides an expansive definition of critical infrastructure facilities, including refineries, power plants, water treatment facilities, telecommunications infrastructure, pipelines, transportation facilities, and many other industrial and utility sites. The law also allows facility owners to pursue civil damages against individuals arrested or convicted under these provisions. The new regulations will take effect 60 days after passage, and explicitly apply to facilities that are enclosed by fencing or have clear signage indicating restricted access.

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https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/bill_history.cfm?syear=2025&sind=0&body=S&type=B&bn=683