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HB 444

Criminal Law – Interference With Critical Infrastructure or a Public Safety Answering Point – Penalties

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Terri Hill

HB 444 criminalizes interference with critical infrastructure and 911 centers, establishing penalties to protect emergency services from disruption.

Hearing 2/04 at 1:00 p.m.
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 444

Legislative bill overview

HB 444 creates criminal penalties for interfering with critical infrastructure or Public Safety Answering Points (911 dispatch centers). The bill establishes new offense categories and corresponding punishments for actions that disrupt or disable essential services that protect public safety and emergency response capabilities.

Why is this important

Critical infrastructure and 911 systems are vital to emergency response and public safety. Interference with these systems—whether through physical sabotage, cyberattacks, or other means—can delay emergency services, potentially costing lives. This legislation addresses a gap in criminal law by specifically targeting such interference with clear penalties.

Potential points of contention

  • Defining "interference": The bill's effectiveness depends on clear definitions of what constitutes illegal interference versus protected speech or legitimate activity (e.g., journalism, activism).
  • Scope of critical infrastructure: Disputes may arise over which facilities qualify as "critical infrastructure," potentially affecting private businesses or creating regulatory burden.
  • Proportionality of penalties: Questions about whether proposed sentences are proportionate to actual harm, and whether they could be applied to minor disruptions as severely as major sabotage.

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

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