HB516 Alabama 2021 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Scott StadthagenRepresentative

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2021

Title

Critical infrastructure, provides further for crime of unauthorized entry of a critical infrastructure, including unmanned aircraft systems, provides additional penalties, Sec. 13A-7-4.3 am'd.

Summary

HB516 expands what counts as critical infrastructure, and adds tougher penalties for damaging it, especially when a person uses an unmanned aircraft system during the crime.

What This Bill Does

It redefines critical infrastructure to include pipelines, mining operations and related facilities. It creates or strengthens penalties for unauthorized entry, making it a Class A misdemeanor, with a Class C felony if the entry damages, removes, destroys, or interferes with the infrastructure. If the crime is committed while operating an unmanned aircraft system with a weapon, firearm, explosive, or ammunition, the offense is also a Class C felony. The bill also notes it is exempt from local funding expenditure requirements because it defines a new crime or amends an existing one, and it becomes effective on the first day of the third month after the Governor signs it.

Who It Affects

• Potential offenders: individuals who enter or attempt to enter a critical infrastructure, use fraudulent identification, remain after being told to leave, or enter restricted areas, facing Class A misdemeanor or Class C felony charges (especially if damage or interference occurs, or a UAV is involved).
• Owners, operators, and authorized personnel of critical infrastructure, and unmanned aircraft system operators near these sites, who receive enhanced protection and clearer enforcement against trespass and damage.

Key Provisions

• Redefines critical infrastructure to include pipelines, mining operations and mining infrastructure, plus related facilities and transportation hubs.
• Unmanned Aircraft System is defined for purposes of the penalties and enforcement.
• Unauthorized entry into a critical infrastructure is a Class A misdemeanor; damage, removal, destruction, or interference with the infrastructure during the crime is a Class C felony.
• If the crime occurs while the offender possesses or operates an unmanned aircraft system with a weapon, firearm, explosive, destructive device, or ammunition, it is a Class C felony.
• The bill notes it is exempt from local-funding requirements under Amendment 621 because it creates or amends a crime, with an effective date the first day of the third month after passage.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 22, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Critical Infrastructure