(INDIANAPOLIS) – Vandals who target utilities or critical industries would face stiffer penalties under a bill headed for the Indiana House.
The Senate has voted unanimously to make trespassing a felony if it happens at a “critical infrastructure facility.” The definition covers 17 specific types of facilities, including dams, refineries, and water treatment plants. A conviction would carry up to two-and-a-half years. Damaging the property would carry up to six years, or up to 12 if the damage is serious.
Bedford Senator Eric Koch (R) says it’s not a hypothetical situation — he says Indiana and other states have already had incidents of vandals breaking into utiilty properties.
The House will consider the bill next month.
NIPSCO plant in Michigan City (Photo: Universal Images Group via Getty Images)
