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Senate approves enhanced penalties for theft of critical infrastructure, targeting copper theft
Summary
The Louisiana Senate passed SB22 to create a new offense for theft of critical infrastructure, prompted by rising incidents of stolen copper and resulting service disruptions. Sponsors and law enforcement said the measure brings stronger penalties to protect utilities and emergency communications.
The Louisiana Senate on April 28 passed Senate Bill 22, creating the crime of theft of critical infrastructure and adding enhanced penalties for those who steal materials such as copper that are used in power, communications and transportation systems.
Sponsor Senator Jackie Hodges said the measure responds to “a growing problem” of copper theft that has caused significant service disruptions. “This is a necessary response to a growing problem that we have and it doesn't this bill doesn't just involve the copper itself. It involves damaging infrastructure, which adds disrupting services such as water, electricity, and even the ability to call during an emergency,” Hodges said on the floor.
The bill defines critical infrastructure broadly; Hodges read from the statute during debate, listing examples including chemical manufacturing facilities, refineries, electric power generating facilities, electrical transmission and distribution substations, water intake structures, natural gas storage facilities, ports, railroads, pipelines, water control structures such as floodgates and pump stations, and wireline or wireless communications and data network facilities. Hodges said the definition was included in Revised Statutes 14:61 and that the statute covers both movable and immovable property used in those systems.
Senators pressed for specifics about the scope of the statute. Senator Ben Carter asked whether the bill included a definition of critical infrastructure; Hodges replied that the definition is in RS 14:61 and read representative examples to the chamber. Senator Ryan Lambert raised a hypothetical about stealing a pipeline; Hodges said the bill is focused on theft of physical equipment and that other conduct, such as cyberattacks, likely would need a separate remedy or amendment. Hodges added the measure includes enhanced penalties where the theft “foreseeably” threatens human life or disrupts emergency communications.
Support from law enforcement was noted on the floor. Senator Hodges told colleagues the sheriff’s association and state police back the measure.
The Senate voted 38 yeas, 0 nays to pass SB22. The bill was ordered final passed and the sponsor moved to reconsider and table with no objection.
