On Wednesday evening, Governor Doug Burgum (R) signed the critical infrastructure protection bill, SB2044, into law. This is the second priority bill that the Lignite Energy Council has been advancing that successfully passed through the legislature this session.
The bill increases criminal penalties against people who willfully trespass or enter property containing a critical infrastructure facility without permission by the owner of the property. It would also hold a person liable for any damages to personal or real property while trespassing and prescribe criminal penalties for organizations conspiring with the people who are proven responsible by the courts. The bill defines critical infrastructure to include an electrical power generating facility, substation, switching station, electrical control or electric power line and associated equipment infrastructure.