Texas House Bill HB1947

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

• Filed: 1/17/25

Caption

Relating to civil and criminal liability for engaging in certain conduct involving a critical infrastructure facility; creating criminal offenses.

Impact

The implementation of HB 1947 would have significant ramifications for state laws concerning the protection of critical infrastructure. By creating explicit legal definitions and categorizations of offenses related to infrastructure facilities, the bill seeks to provide clearer guidelines for both enforcement agencies and the legal system. This change could enhance the ability of law enforcement to address and deter criminal activities that threaten these critical assets, and may drive the development of additional regulations and security measures at various levels of government.

Summary

House Bill 1947 addresses civil and criminal liability issues associated with conduct involving critical infrastructure facilities. The bill aims to impose stricter penalties and create specific criminal offenses related to acts that may harm or jeopardize these infrastructure assets. This legislation is a response to increasing concerns about security and protection for essential services and facilities, which are vital to the state's economy and public welfare.

Contention

Debate surrounding the bill highlights notable concerns regarding the potential overreach of state authority into local jurisdictions and the implications for civil liberties. Opponents may argue that the bill could lead to excessive punishment for actions that may not represent a genuine threat to infrastructure reliability. Furthermore, there might be apprehensions regarding the broad scope of what constitutes a threat, potentially resulting in criminal charges for minor infractions or misunderstandings.

Final_notes

House Bill 1947 appears to balance the need for enhanced security of critical infrastructure with the imperative of ensuring that law enforcement has clear frameworks for pursuing legitimate threats. However, the success of its enactment will likely hinge on further discussions regarding the specific criteria for criminal liability and the protection of individual rights within the context of infrastructure safety.

Texas Constitutional Statutes Affected

Government Code

• Chapter 424. Protection Of Critical Infrastructure Facilities
  • Section: New Section