Oregon 2025 Regular Session

Oregon House Bill HB2851

Introduced
1/13/25  

Caption

Relating to critical infrastructure.

Impact

The primary impact of this bill will be felt in the legal categorization and treatment of specific infrastructure within the state. By officially recognizing telecommunications facilities as critical infrastructure, it establishes them as vital components of community safety and security. The amendment ensures that actions against such facilities can be prosecuted under provisions concerning domestic terrorism. This approach potentially enhances law enforcement's ability to address threats effectively and provides additional resources for preventing attacks on these infrastructures.

Summary

House Bill 2851 aims to amend the definition of 'critical infrastructure' within the context of Oregon's laws related to domestic terrorism. The bill expands the current parameters to include terrestrial-based cable and wire communication facilities, explicitly defining them as components of critical infrastructure subject to protections under the law. This change is designed to bolster state security regarding essential services and facilities that could be targeted for malicious acts of violence or sabotage.

Sentiment

Initial discussions around HB2851 show a cautiously positive sentiment among supporters, who argue that the bill is a necessary response to increasing threats against public and private infrastructure. Advocates believe that including communication facilities under this definition enhances statewide preparedness and strengthens defensive measures against domestic terrorism. However, there could be concerns about the implications of expanding definitions and potential overreach regarding personal freedoms and state surveillance.

Contention

A notable point of contention may arise regarding the scope and enforcement of the definitions provided in the bill. Critics could raise concerns about how this expansion of critical infrastructure status may affect ongoing civil liberties discussions and the interpretation of what constitutes a terrorist act. There may also be debates about the adequacy of the protections offered to civil infrastructure entities versus the risks posed to individual rights in the name of enhanced security.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

OR HB2772

Relating to domestic terrorism.

OR HB4128

Relating to water infrastructure.

OR HB4155

Relating to infrastructure financing; declaring an emergency.

OR SB1017

Relating to grants for infrastructure projects of rural cities.

OR HB3349

Relating to infrastructure; declaring an emergency.

OR HB3016

Relating to green infrastructure; declaring an emergency.

OR HB3058

Relating to airport infrastructure resilience; and declaring an emergency.

OR SB1525

Relating to the State Department of Energy; declaring an emergency.

OR SB582

Relating to the Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Training Program.

OR HB2937

Relating to emergency communications infrastructure.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.