Iowa House Bill HF879

Iowa 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/7/25
• Engrossed: 3/19/25

Caption

A bill for an act relating to critical infrastructure sabotage, and making penalties applicable. (Formerly HSB 206.) Effective date: 07/01/2025

Impact

If enacted, HF879 would classify critical infrastructure sabotage as a class B felony, imposing a prison sentence of up to 25 years and imposing fines ranging from $85,000 to $100,000. The bill's implications are significant, as it establishes a legal framework that recognizes the critical nature of certain services and aims to deter malicious acts that could cause extensive harm to public welfare. The heightened penalties are designed to signal to potential offenders the serious nature of such crimes.

Summary

House File 879 aims to address issues related to sabotage of critical infrastructure by introducing stringent penalties for those who intentionally disrupt such services. This bill specifically identifies various forms of critical infrastructure, including telecommunications and information services as defined under federal law. By elevating the severity of the consequences for acts of sabotage, the measure seeks to enhance the protection of essential services that are vital for the functionality and safety of state operations and the welfare of its citizens.

Contention

The bill has sparked discussion regarding its potential impact on privacy and the scope of enforcement. Advocates argue that protecting critical infrastructure is essential, particularly with increasing concerns over cyber and physical threats. However, some critics voice concerns about overreach in penalizing behaviors that could be interpreted as sabotage even under ambiguous circumstances. This raises questions about the balance between security measures and individual rights, especially in instances where infrastructure may be temporarily affected during maintenance or upgrading processes.