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SB 322

Unauthorized entry of a critical infrastructure facility; reservoirs removed from list of facilities

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Jack Williams

Alabama bill removes reservoirs from critical infrastructure facilities list, eliminating criminal trespassing penalties for unauthorized reservoir entry.

Read for the first time and referred to the Senate Committee on Fiscal Responsibility and Economic Development
#crimes&offenses
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Bill Summary · SB 322

Legislative bill overview

SB 322 removes reservoirs from Alabama's list of critical infrastructure facilities that carry criminal penalties for unauthorized entry. The bill narrows the scope of what constitutes illegal trespassing at critical infrastructure by exempting water storage facilities from existing protections.

Why is this important

This change affects both public safety enforcement and property rights. Reservoirs serve essential functions for water supply, flood control, and recreation, so their classification as critical infrastructure carries weight for security and liability. The removal could impact law enforcement's ability to prosecute trespassers and may affect property owner protections and insurance considerations.

Potential points of contention

  • Security implications: Removing reservoir protections may compromise facilities vulnerable to contamination, sabotage, or damage that affects public water supplies and emergency response capabilities
  • Property rights vs. public access: The change reflects competing interests between landowners seeking trespassing enforcement and those arguing for public access to natural water resources
  • Consistency with federal law: Federal critical infrastructure protections may still apply to some reservoirs regardless of state law, creating potential legal confusion and enforcement gaps

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

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