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HB 1954

Establishing criminal and civil penalties for destruction of critical communications infrastructure.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Travis Couture and 2 co-sponsors

Washington HB 1954 criminalizes intentional or reckless destruction of critical communications infrastructure, establishing both criminal and civil penalties for damaging telecommunications or internet systems.

First reading, referred to Community Safety.
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Bill Summary · HB 1954

Legislative bill overview

HB 1954 creates criminal and civil penalties for the destruction or damage of critical communications infrastructure in Washington state. The bill establishes legal consequences for intentionally or recklessly damaging telecommunications facilities, internet infrastructure, or related systems that serve the public.

Why is this important

Critical communications infrastructure underpins emergency response, business operations, and public safety. Damage to these systems can have cascading effects—disrupting 911 services, financial transactions, and coordination during disasters. This bill addresses a gap in state law by specifically criminalizing such damage, which is increasingly relevant given recent incidents of infrastructure sabotage nationally.

Potential points of contention

  • Scope ambiguity: The bill's definition of "critical communications infrastructure" may be broad enough to capture routine maintenance disputes, private disputes over fiber lines, or protest-related infrastructure damage, raising concerns about overreach
  • Penalty proportionality: Criminal penalties for infrastructure damage could be severe; critics may argue penalties should scale based on actual harm caused versus intent, and that civil remedies alone might be sufficient for some violations
  • Free speech intersection: Depending on language, the bill could potentially criminalize protest activities that incidentally damage infrastructure, raising First Amendment concerns that civil liberties groups will likely scrutinize

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

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