Relating to creating a criminal offense for damaging certain critical infrastructure facilities and providing for the prosecution of that conduct as manslaughter in certain circumstances; increasing a criminal penalty.
Impact
The implications of HB 2997 on state law could be profound. It aims to tighten regulations surrounding the protection of critical infrastructure, which includes electrical power plants and distribution facilities, aiming to prevent acts that could disrupt essential services. The penalty structure is designed to serve as a deterrent against acts of vandalism, continuing to hold individuals accountable for actions leading to significant property damage or public safety hazards. This is particularly pertinent given recent discussions about the stability of energy supplies and the vulnerabilities faced by such infrastructure.
Summary
House Bill 2997 seeks to create a new criminal offense for damaging critical infrastructure facilities in Texas. The bill specifically targets actions that intentionally or knowingly damage, vandalize, or impair these facilities, and it establishes penalties that escalate based on the severity of the damage, potentially categorizing severe offenses as first-degree felonies. Notably, if a person's actions result in an extended power outage lasting more than 24 hours, they can be prosecuted under this new law, reflecting a significant tightening of regulations regarding critical infrastructure protection.
Sentiment
The general sentiment surrounding the bill appears to be supportive among those prioritizing public safety and the protection of vital infrastructure assets. Advocates argue that strengthening penalties for the destruction of infrastructure is a needed response to growing concerns over domestic terrorism and threats to the state's energy grid. However, some parties may still raise questions about the potential abuse of such laws, worrying that they could lead to overcriminalization and disproportionately harsh penalties for individuals engaging in protests or civil disobedience in these areas.
Contention
Notable points of contention surrounding HB 2997 include debates about the balance between necessary security measures and potential overreach into civil liberties. Detractors may argue that increased penalties for property damage, particularly those linked to protests or public dissent, could stifle free speech and assemble rights. Additionally, the legislation's definitions of critical infrastructure and the conditions constituting an offense could open up discussions around the enforcement of these laws. The discussions within legislative circles may reflect broader national conversations about infrastructure security and civil rights.
Texas Constitutional Statutes Affected
Penal Code
Chapter 19. Criminal Homicide
Section: 04
Chapter 28. Arson, Criminal Mischief, And Other Property Damage Or Destruction
Identical
Relating to creating a criminal offense for damaging certain critical infrastructure facilities and providing for the prosecution of that conduct as manslaughter in certain circumstances; increasing a criminal penalty.
Relating to creating a criminal offense for damaging certain critical infrastructure facilities and providing for the prosecution of that conduct as manslaughter in certain circumstances; increasing a criminal penalty.
Relating to regulation of certain facilities and establishments with respect to, civil remedies for certain criminal activities affecting, and certain criminal offenses involving health, safety, and welfare; creating a criminal offense; increasing criminal penalties.
Relating to catalytic converters, including criminal conduct involving catalytic converters; providing an administrative penalty; creating a criminal offense; increasing a criminal penalty; increasing a fee.
Relating to catalytic converters, including criminal conduct involving catalytic converters; providing an administrative penalty; creating a criminal offense; increasing a criminal penalty; increasing a fee.
Relating to criminal conduct involving the theft, damage, destruction, or unlawful possession of copper or brass, to criminal conduct committed in, around, or in relation to critical infrastructure facilities or equipment or interrupting or impairing the operation of those facilities or equipment, and to the sale of regulated materials, including copper or brass material, to metal recycling entities and training on identifying those materials; creating criminal offenses; increasing criminal penalties; providing an administrative penalty.