HB453 Alabama 2024 Session

Updated Feb 23, 2026

Notable

Summary

Primary Sponsor: Arnold MooneyRepresentative
Republican
Session: Regular Session 2024
Title: Crimes and offenses, further provides for the crime of unauthorized entry of a critical infrastructure
Summary: HB453 expands definitions of critical infrastructure and strengthens penalties for unauthorized entry into those facilities.
What This Bill Does
It amends Section 13A-7-4.3 to clearly define what counts as critical infrastructure and critical infrastructure facilities, listing many types of facilities and related assets. It makes unauthorized entry into a critical infrastructure facility an offense with elements such as entering without authority, using fraudulent identification, remaining on site after being told to leave, or entering restricted areas, with penalties of a Class A misdemeanor (and a Class C felony if damages occur or operations are interrupted). It adds a specific offense if someone enters with an unmanned aircraft system that has a weapon or other destructive device, also a Class C felony. It preserves rights to lawful assembly and allows lawful actions on rights-of-way, and the act takes effect October 1, 2024.

Who It Affects
Individuals who attempt to or do enter critical infrastructure facilities or restricted areas without authorization and face Class A misdemeanor or Class C felony penalties depending on actions.
Facility owners/lessees/custodians as well as law enforcement and public safety entities responsible for enforcing access controls and implementing the new penalties.

Key Provisions
Defines 'critical infrastructure' as systems or assets vital to national security, economy, public health, or public safety.
Defines 'critical infrastructure facility' to include a broad list of facility types (chemical plants, pipelines, refineries, power facilities, water treatment, gas processing, storage/distribution facilities, mines, transportation hubs, telecom, etc.).
Creates unlawful entry into a critical infrastructure facility with four ways to commit (unauthorized entry, fraudulent ID use, remaining after prohibition, entering restricted areas).
Penalties: Class A misdemeanor for unauthorized entry; Class C felony if harm to infrastructure occurs or operations are interrupted; Class C felony if entry involves an unmanned aircraft system with a weapon or destructive device.
Effective date: October 1, 2024.

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