SB45 Alabama 2020 Session

Updated Feb 26, 2026

Notable

Summary

Primary Sponsor: Cam Ward
Republican
Session: Regular Session 2020
Title: Crimes and offenses, criminal trespass, unauthorized entry of a critical infrastructure, further provided to include unmanned aircraft systems, Sec. 13A-7-4.3 am'd.
Summary: SB 45 strengthens protection of critical infrastructure by expanding what counts as critical infrastructure (to include pipelines) and banning drone surveillance, with tougher penalties if the site is damaged during the crime.
What This Bill Does
It broadens the definition of critical infrastructure to include pipelines and other facilities, and it adds unmanned aircraft systems (drones) to the rules about surveilling or recording such sites. It makes it illegal to enter these sites without permission, use fraudulent IDs, or remain there after being told to leave, and it sets stricter penalties if the site is damaged or its operations are interrupted. It also specifies penalties for crimes involving drones carrying weapons or explosives. The law notes that this bill creates a new crime and is exempt from certain local-funding approval rules, and it would take effect on the first day of the third month after passage.

Who It Affects
Individuals who might trespass on critical infrastructure or use drones to surveil such sites; they would face new criminal penalties (Class A misdemeanor for unauthorized entry; Class C felony if damage/interruption occurs; Class C felony if a drone with weapon or explosive is used).
Owners, operators, and managers of critical infrastructure (including pipelines, refineries, power facilities, water plants, and related sites); they gain stronger legal protection and enforcement against trespass and drone intrusion.

Key Provisions
Critical infrastructure is expanded to include pipelines and a wide range of facilities (e.g., chemical plants, power facilities, transmission towers, water treatment, LNG terminals, mining and transportation hubs) and any facility designated under federal law.
Unmanned Aircraft System (drone) definition is added and restrictions are placed on using drones to surveil, gather information about, or record a critical infrastructure, unless allowed by certain conditions.
Criminal penalties: unauthorized entry into a critical infrastructure is a Class A misdemeanor; if the crime damages, destroys, or interrupts operations, it becomes a Class C felony; if the crime occurs while a drone with weapons or explosives is involved, it is a Class C felony.
Provisions include entering restricted or clearly marked areas, using fraudulent identification to enter, and staying on premises after being forbidden; lawful assembly and peaceful petition are preserved.
Section 2 states the bill is exempt from local-funding provisions tied to Amendment 621 because it creates a new crime or amends an existing crime, and Section 3 gives the act an effective date of the first day of the third month after passage.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 23, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.
Subjects: Crimes and Offenses