Hoffman Passes Legislation in the House to Protect Critical Infrastructure

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Illinois’ power plants, waterlines and other critical utilities will be better secured under legislation passed by state Rep. Jay Hoffman, D-Swansea, increasing penalties on those who tamper with critical infrastructure.   

“The safety of our communities depends on securing our power and water resources, and one way we can achieve this by cracking down on criminals who would target that infrastructure in an attempt to disrupt basic, life-sustaining services,” Hoffman said. “Our critical infrastructure is incredibly important to public safety and health as well as the economy, and efforts to threaten or damage its ability to function effectively are unacceptable.”

Hoffman’s House Bill 1633 would create a criminal offense for persons who knowingly tamper, damage or destroy equipment necessary for the operation of critical infrastructure across the state. Critical infrastructure facilities exist in a variety of forms, which include but are not limited to:

• Electrical generation;
• Manufacturing;
• Natural gas;
• Telecommunications;
• Water;
• Wastewater; and
• Pipeline facilities

“Those who seek to undermine the public interest by causing destruction to systems and services essential to our livelihoods must be held accountable for their actions,” Hoffman said. “This commonsense proposal will move us forward to ensure greater public safety while defending against bad actors.”

House Bill 1633 passed the House with bipartisan support and will now go to the Senate for further consideration.