Committee adopts enhanced cybercrime offense for attacks on critical infrastructure and PSAPs
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Summary
Lawmakers on the Judicial Proceedings Committee approved an amendment to criminalize intentional, unauthorized access that impairs critical infrastructure or public‑safety answering points (PSAPs), raising maximum penalties in specified circumstances; the bill passed unanimously as amended.
The Judicial Proceedings Committee on Friday voted unanimously to pass Senate Bill 482 after adopting an amendment that clarified the required mental state for a new offense targeting attacks on critical infrastructure and public‑safety answering points (PSAPs).
A sponsor aide explained that SB482 expands existing computer‑access offenses when the unauthorized act is committed ‘‘with the intent to interrupt or impair the functioning of critical infrastructure for a public safety answering point’’ and that existing and new offenses carry felony penalties (up to five years and up to 10 years, respectively, with corresponding fines). The amendment in the voting packet (SB482653226) adds mens‑rea language to the prohibitions.
Committee members moved to adopt the amendment, the amendment was adopted, and the committee recorded a favorable vote. Chairman Smith announced that SB482, as amended, passed the committee unanimously.
No roll‑call debate over votes was recorded in committee for SB482; the sponsor said the measure tracks concerns about safeguarding public‑safety infrastructure from cyberattacks. The bill now proceeds to the next stage of consideration in the legislature.
