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HB 429

CRIME/THEFT: Adds theft or unauthorized entry of a critical infrastructure as a predicate crime for terrorism (EN SEE FISC NOTE GF EX)

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Jacob Landry

Louisiana bill classifies theft or unauthorized entry into critical infrastructure as terrorism predicate offense, enabling enhanced criminal penalties.

Effective date: 08/01/2026.
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Bill Summary · HB 429

Legislative bill overview

HB 429 expands Louisiana's terrorism statutes by adding theft or unauthorized entry of critical infrastructure to the list of predicate crimes that can trigger terrorism charges. This means individuals who steal from or illegally access facilities like power plants, water treatment systems, telecommunications networks, or transportation hubs could face enhanced terrorism penalties rather than standard theft or trespassing charges.

Why is this important

Critical infrastructure attacks can have cascading effects on public safety, economic stability, and essential services. By designating such acts as terrorism predicates, the bill allows prosecutors to apply more severe penalties and potentially federal resources to what might otherwise be treated as property crimes. This reflects growing concerns about sabotage and cyber-physical threats to vital systems.

Potential points of contention

  • Scope concerns: The definition of "critical infrastructure" may be broad enough to capture minor facilities or gray-area situations, potentially criminalizing actions that weren't intended as terrorism
  • Penalty proportionality: Critics may argue that automatic terrorism charges for theft or entry disproportionately punish property crimes compared to actual violent acts
  • Chilling effects: The enhanced penalties could discourage legitimate security researchers, journalists, or whistleblowers who uncover vulnerabilities through access to these facilities

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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