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Bill

HB 1947

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

89th Legislature (2025) Introduced by Shelley Luther

HB 1947 creates criminal offenses and civil liability for conduct at critical infrastructure facilities to protect essential systems from disruption or sabotage.

Referred to State Affairs
#crimes--againstproperty(i0175) #crimes--miscellaneous(i0200) #lawenforcement(i0510) #military&veterans(i0535)
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 1947

Legislative bill overview

HB 1947 creates new criminal offenses and establishes civil liability for individuals who engage in certain conduct at critical infrastructure facilities in Texas. The bill appears designed to protect essential infrastructure (power grids, water systems, transportation networks, etc.) from disruption, sabotage, or unauthorized interference by establishing penalties for prohibited activities.

Why is this important

Critical infrastructure disruptions can have cascading effects on public safety, economic stability, and essential services. This bill would create explicit legal consequences for interference with these systems, potentially deterring sabotage or coordinated attacks while also raising questions about what conduct is criminalized and how broadly the law applies.

Potential points of contention

  • Definition scope: The bill's specific language on what constitutes prohibited "conduct" is critical—overly broad definitions could criminalize legitimate protest, whistleblowing, or civil disobedience near infrastructure facilities
  • First Amendment concerns: Depending on its wording, the bill could face constitutional challenges if it restricts free speech or assembly rights around critical facilities
  • Enforcement disparities: Critics may worry about selective enforcement against activist groups or minority communities, while supporters argue clear protections are necessary for national security

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

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