Missouri law sets penalties for critical infrastructure damage and material possession

A person who damages or removes parts of a critical infrastructure facility can face criminal penalties. Covered facilities include listed telecommunications and broadband networks and facilities, along with other critical infrastructure under construction or in operation. Purposely damaging or tampering with facility equipment is a class D felony. Recklessly damaging a facility or removing a component other than equipment is generally punished according to the amount of damage. If damage interrupts, impairs, or degrades service, the offense is a class C felony regardless of the damage amount. A person who commits an offense under this section must pay restitution and perform community service; required hours depend on prior offenses.

A person who knowingly possesses covered materials without authorization commits a felony. The materials include copper, brass, aluminum, fiber, and telecommunications wire, cable, and other materials commonly used in construction, utilities, and industry. Authorized possessors include owners, utilities, service providers, businesses, carriers with transport documents, recyclers, and people doing lawful construction or salvage work. These permissions do not apply when a person knows the materials were unlawfully obtained. The offense is generally a class E felony, or a class D felony if a listed aggravating circumstance is proved at trial.

A person who purposely enters property containing a critical infrastructure facility without permission commits a class B misdemeanor. Covered facilities include listed telecommunications and broadband networks and facilities under construction or in operation. The rule does not apply to conduct protected by the United States or Missouri Constitution, or by state or federal law or rule.