Tennessee § 39-14-411 - Critical infrastructure vandalism.

§ 39-14-411. Critical infrastructure vandalism.

A person who knowingly destroys, injures, interrupts, or interferes with critical infrastructure or its operation commits the offense of critical infrastructure vandalism. As used in this section, “critical infrastructure” includes, but is not limited to, the infrastructure of the following services to the general public: Telephone, telegraph, television, internet, or other telecommunication services; Electric, heat, natural gas, or other power or energy services; The distribution of crude or refined liquid petroleum products or natural gas, and the pipelines, pumping stations, terminals, and equipment necessary for operation of the facility; Water, wastewater, or sewer services; and Railroads and other transportation services. The critical infrastructure of a utility or company is included in this section whether the critical infrastructure is in operation, idle, or under construction. A violation of this section shall be punished as theft under § 39-14-103, and graded in accordance with § 39-14-105. However, in no event shall punishment for a violation of this section be less than a Class E felony. Acts 1990, ch. 844, § 1; 1992, ch. 832, § 1; 2019, ch. 370, § 1. Amendments. The 2019 amendment rewrote this section which read: “(a) A person who knowingly destroys, injures, interrupts, or interferes with critical infrastructure or its operation commits the offense of critical infrastructure vandalism.“(b) As used in this section, “critical infrastructure” includes, but is not limited to, the infrastructure of the following services to the general public:“(1) Telephone, telegraph, television, internet, or other telecommunication services;“(2) Electric, heat, natural gas, or other power or energy services;“(3) The distribution of crude or refined liquid petroleum products or natural gas, and the pipelines, pumping stations, terminals, and equipment necessary for operation of the facility;“(4) Water, wastewater, or sewer services; and“(5) Railroads and other transportation services.“(c) The critical infrastructure of a utility or company is included in this section whether the critical infrastructure is in operation, idle, or under construction.“(d) A violation of this section shall be punished as theft under § 39-14-103 , and graded in accordance with § 39-14-105 . However, in no event shall punishment for a violation of this section be less than a Class E felony.” Effective Dates. Acts 2019, ch. 370, § 2. July 1, 2019. Cross-References. Fraud, theft or intentional destruction of utility services or property, title 65, ch. 35. Penalty for Class E felony, § 40-35-111 . Vandalism, § 39-14-408 .