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Montana bill would expand critical-infrastructure vandalism protections to broadband, strike fencing requirement
Summary
House Bill 257 would add broadband and wireless infrastructure to Montana’s critical-infrastructure statute and remove fencing/signage limits that currently restrict protections for long linear facilities; proponents said the change targets intentional attacks and accidental strikes remain covered by "811" law; landowners urged clearer intent language and exemptions.
House Energy Committee — Representative Greg Kmetz introduced House Bill 257 on Wednesday, asking the panel to extend enhanced criminal protections for critical infrastructure to broadband and wireless communications and to remove a requirement that facilities be enclosed by fencing or signage to qualify.
Supporters from telecommunications firms, utilities, county governments and industry trade groups said the change closes a gap left after the 2021 law (HB 481) and would better protect long, linear facilities — such as fiber, pipelines and railways — from intentional vandalism that can disrupt emergency services and commerce. "House Bill 2 57 does not pertain to accidental facility strikes," Melissa Lewis of the Treasure State Resources Association told the committee,…
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