SB217 Alabama 2016 Session

Updated Feb 27, 2026

Notable

Summary

Primary Sponsor: Cam Ward
Republican
Session: Regular Session 2016
Title: Trespassing, critical infrastructure, crime established, penalties
Summary: SB217 creates a new crime, unauthorized entry of a critical infrastructure, punishable as a Class A misdemeanor.
What This Bill Does
The bill defines what counts as critical infrastructure (like chemical plants, power and water facilities, gas terminals, and transportation hubs) and prohibits four types of unlawful actions: entering without authority into a critical infrastructure site, using fraudulent identification to enter, remaining after being told to leave, and entering a restricted area within such infrastructure. Anyone who commits these acts would face a Class A misdemeanor. It also clarifies that the law does not block lawful assembly or petitions, and it explains that the local-funding requirements under Amendment 621 do not apply because the bill defines a new crime.

Who It Affects
Individuals who would potentially enter a critical infrastructure without authorization and could be charged under the new crime.
Owners, operators, lessees, custodians, and security personnel of critical infrastructure who manage access and enforcement against unauthorized entry.

Key Provisions
Defines critical infrastructure to include facilities such as chemical plants, refineries, electrical power facilities, water treatment, natural gas terminals, LNG terminals, storage facilities, and transportation hubs.
Creates unauthorized entry of a critical infrastructure as a crime, with four specific conduct types: (a) entering without authority into a protected facility; (b) using fraudulent documents for entry; (c) remaining after being forbidden to stay; (d) entering a restricted area marked as restricted or limited access.
Establishes the penalty for unauthorized entry as a Class A misdemeanor.
Affirms that lawful assembly and petition rights are not restricted by this section.
Section 2 notes the bill is exempt from local funding requirements under Amendment 621 because it defines a new crime.
Section 3 sets the effective date as the first day of the third month after the Governor signs the bill.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 24, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.
Subjects: Crimes and Offenses