Bill > H4661

This bill amends South Carolina law to create comprehensive protections for critical infrastructure facilities by establishing new criminal offenses and penalties for unauthorized entry and interference. The legislation defines critical infrastructure broadly, including facilities like power plants, chemical manufacturing sites, transportation hubs, communication networks, and energy infrastructure, and makes it a felony to enter these facilities without authorization, use fraudulent identification to gain entry, or remain on the premises after being told to leave. The bill creates escalating criminal penalties, with unauthorized entry potentially resulting in up to 15 years in prison, and more severe penalties (up to 25 years) if the person damages infrastructure or attempts to disrupt operations. An additional provision specifically criminalizes threatening utility workers with a deadly weapon while they are performing their job duties. The bill explicitly protects the right to peaceful assembly and does not prevent lawful actions by state or local governments, and the new penalties are intended to supplement existing legal provisions. The law aims to protect vital infrastructure from potential sabotage, interference, or unauthorized access while maintaining reasonable protections for legitimate public activities.

Justice

https://www.scstatehouse.gov/billsearch.php?billnumbers=4661&session=126&summary=B