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HB429 • 2026

CRIME/THEFT: Adds theft or unauthorized entry of a critical infrastructure as a predicate crime for terrorism (EGF SEE FISC NOTE GF EX)

CRIME/THEFT: Adds theft or unauthorized entry of a critical infrastructure as a predicate crime for terrorism (EGF SEE FISC NOTE GF EX)

Crime Energy Technology
Passed Legislature

This bill passed both chambers and reached final enrollment, even if later executive action is not shown here.

Sponsor
Jacob Landry
Last action
2026-05-29
Official status
Adopted in House concurrence
Effective date
Not listed

Plain English Breakdown

The exact penalties for unauthorized entry and theft of critical infrastructure other than those related to terrorism are not detailed in the provided source material.

Adding Theft and Unauthorized Entry of Critical Infrastructure as Terrorism

This bill makes theft or unauthorized entry into critical infrastructure, including oil fields, a predicate crime for terrorism in Louisiana.

What This Bill Does

  • Defines unauthorized entry of critical infrastructure to include flying drones over it without permission.
  • Includes hacking and other technological interference with critical infrastructure as unauthorized entry.
  • Adds oil and natural gas facilities and operations to the definition of critical infrastructure.
  • Makes theft or unauthorized entry into critical infrastructure a predicate crime for terrorism if done with intent to intimidate or coerce civilians or influence government entities.

Who It Names or Affects

  • People who commit crimes involving critical infrastructure, such as oil fields and natural gas facilities.
  • Law enforcement agencies that enforce laws related to critical infrastructure security.

Terms To Know

Critical Infrastructure
Important structures or equipment used for essential services like energy, transportation, and communication.
Predicate Crime
A crime that can be used to prove someone committed a larger crime, such as terrorism.

Limits and Unknowns

  • The bill does not specify the exact penalties for unauthorized entry or theft of critical infrastructure other than those related to terrorism.
  • It is unclear how this law will affect existing laws and regulations regarding drone use and cybersecurity in Louisiana.

Amendments

These notes stay tied to the official amendment files and metadata from the legislature.

Plain English: The amendment adds a minimum sentence of five years in prison for anyone who commits terrorism by stealing or entering unauthorizedly into critical infrastructure, including public drinking water systems.

  • Adds a minimum sentence of five years imprisonment for committing theft or unauthorized entry of critical infrastructure with the intent to intimidate or coerce the civilian population or influence government entities.
  • Expands the definition of 'critical infrastructure' to include oil and natural gas drilling operations, equipment, and public drinking water systems.
  • The exact penalties for other types of theft or unauthorized entry not involving terrorism remain unclear from this summary.

Plain English: The amendment to HB429 would make the theft or unauthorized entry of critical infrastructure a predicate crime for terrorism.

  • Adds theft or unauthorized entry of critical infrastructure as a predicate crime for terrorism.
  • The official text does not provide details on how this change will be implemented or what specific penalties would apply.

Plain English: The amendment adds new definitions for unauthorized entry into critical infrastructure, including physical and digital breaches, to the existing crime laws.

  • Adds specific definitions for unauthorized entry of a critical infrastructure, covering intentional physical entries without authority and malicious use of technology to disrupt or control such infrastructures.
  • Includes provisions for unmanned aircraft system operations over restricted areas of critical infrastructure without prior express authority.
  • The exact impact on existing laws and enforcement practices is not fully explained in the amendment text.

Plain English: The amendment changes specific references in the original bill to make sure certain types of theft and unauthorized entry related to critical infrastructure are included as predicate crimes for terrorism.

  • Changes 'R.S. 14:61(B)(introductory paragraph)' to include 'R.S. 14:61(A)(1) and (4)'.
  • Modifies the reference from 'R.S. 14:61(B)(1)(c)' to include 'R.S. 14:61(A)(5) and (6)'.
  • The exact implications of these changes on how theft or unauthorized entry involving critical infrastructure is treated as a predicate crime for terrorism are not fully explained in the amendment text.

Plain English: The amendment adds new definitions for unauthorized entry into critical infrastructure, including the use of unmanned aircraft systems and electronic interference, to be considered predicate crimes for terrorism.

  • Adds specific types of unauthorized entries into critical infrastructure as predicate crimes for terrorism, such as entering a restricted area without permission or operating an unmanned aircraft system over protected areas.
  • Includes malicious use of technology to disrupt the operation of critical infrastructure systems as a form of unauthorized entry.
  • The exact legal implications and enforcement details are not fully explained in the amendment text provided.

Plain English: The amendment adds public drinking water systems and sewer treatment facilities to the list of critical infrastructure that can be considered predicate crimes for terrorism.

  • Adds public drinking water systems and sewer treatment facilities as new types of critical infrastructure.
  • Includes specific definitions for water intake structures, water and sewer treatment facilities, and public drinking water systems.
  • The exact legal implications and how these changes will be enforced are not detailed in the amendment text.

Plain English: The amendment changes the sentencing range for certain crimes related to critical infrastructure theft or unauthorized entry.

  • Adds a new sentence on page 3, line 27, specifying that the punishment for these offenses will be at least five years and no more than a specified upper limit.
  • The amendment text does not specify the exact upper limit of the sentencing range.
  • It is unclear what specific crimes or penalties are being modified beyond the mention of 'five years'.

Plain English: The amendment changes the sentencing range for certain crimes related to critical infrastructure theft or unauthorized entry.

  • Adds a new sentence on page 3, line 27, which limits the punishment for specific predicate crimes under terrorism law.
  • The exact nature of the crimes and their sentencing before this amendment is unclear from the provided text.
  • It's not clear what specific crimes are being modified or how they relate to critical infrastructure theft or unauthorized entry.

Bill History

  1. 2026-05-29 H

    Read by title, roll called, yeas 97, nays 0, Senate amendments concurred in.

  2. 2026-05-27 H

    Scheduled for concurrence on 05/29/2026.

  3. 2026-05-26 H

    Received from the Senate with amendments.

  4. 2026-05-26 S

    Rules suspended. Senate floor amendments read and adopted. Read by title, passed by a vote of 36 yeas and 0 nays, and ordered returned to the House. Motion to reconsider tabled.

  5. 2026-05-21 S

    Reported without Legislative Bureau amendments. Read by title and passed to third reading and final passage.

  6. 2026-05-20 S

    Committee amendments read and adopted. Read by title and referred to the Legislative Bureau.

  7. 2026-05-19 S

    Reported with amendments.

  8. 2026-04-08 S

    Read second time by title and referred to the Committee on Judiciary C.

  9. 2026-04-07 S

    Received in the Senate. Rules suspended. Read first time by title and placed on the Calendar for a second reading.

  10. 2026-04-07 H

    Read third time by title, roll called on final passage, yeas 100, nays 0. Finally passed, title adopted, ordered to the Senate.

  11. 2026-04-07 H

    Called from the calendar.

  12. 2026-03-31 H

    Scheduled for floor debate on 04/07/2026.

  13. 2026-03-31 H

    Notice given.

  14. 2026-03-31 H

    Read by title, returned to the calendar.

  15. 2026-03-30 H

    Scheduled for floor debate on 03/31/2026.

  16. 2026-03-26 H

    Read by title, amended, ordered engrossed, passed to 3rd reading.

  17. 2026-03-25 H

    Reported with amendments (12-0).

  18. 2026-03-09 H

    Read by title, under the rules, referred to the Committee on Administration of Criminal Justice.

  19. 2026-02-27 H

    First appeared in the Interim Calendar on 2/27/2026.

  20. 2026-02-25 H

    Under the rules, provisionally referred to the Committee on Administration of Criminal Justice.

  21. 2026-02-25 H

    Prefiled.

Official Summary Text

CRIME/THEFT: Adds theft or unauthorized entry of a critical infrastructure as a predicate crime for terrorism (EGF SEE FISC NOTE GF EX)

Current Bill Text

Read the full stored bill text
HLS 26RS-935 ENGROSSED
2026 Regular Session
HOUSE BILL NO. 429
BY REPRESENTATIVE JACOB LANDRY
CRIME/THEFT: Adds theft or unauthorized entry of a critical infrastructure as a predicate
crime for terrorism
1 AN ACT
2 To amend and reenact R.S. 14:61(A)(1) and (4) and (B)(introductory paragraph) and
3 67.24(C) and to enact R.S. 14:61(A)(5) and (6) and (B)(1)(c) and 128.1(A)(6) and
4 (B)(6), relative to the unauthorized entry and theft of critical infrastructure; to add
5 oil fields as critical infrastructure; to make unauthorized entry and theft of oil fields
6 predicate crimes for terrorism; and to provide for related matters.
7 Be it enacted by the Legislature of Louisiana:
8 Section 1. R.S. 14:61(A)(1) and (4) and (B)(introductory paragraph) and 67.24(C)
9 are hereby amended and reenacted and R.S. 14:61(A)(5) and (6) and (B)(1)(c) and
10 128.1(A)(6) and (B)(6) are hereby enacted to read as follows:
11 §61. Unauthorized entry of a critical infrastructure
12 A. Unauthorized entry of a critical infrastructure is any of the following:
13 (1) The intentional entry by a person without authority into any structure or
14 onto any premises, belonging to another, that constitutes in whole or in part a critical
15 infrastructure that is completely enclosed or surrounded by any type of physical
16 barrier.
17 * * *
Page 1 of 5
CODING: Words in struck through type are deletions from existing law; words underscored
are additions.
HLS 26RS-935 ENGROSSED
HB NO. 429
1 (4) The intentional entry into a restricted area of a critical infrastructure
2 which is marked as a restricted or limited access area that is completely enclosed or
3 surrounded by any type of physical barrier when the person is not authorized to enter
4 that restricted or limited access area.
5 (5) The intentional operation of an unmanned aircraft system, as defined in
6 R.S. 14:337, without prior express authority, within or over critical infrastructure that
7 is completely enclosed or surrounded by any type of physical barrier, or within or
8 over a restricted area of a critical infrastructure which is marked as a restricted or
9 limited access area, when the person is not authorized to operate within or over that
10 area.
11 (6) The intentional and malicious use of any electronic, digital, or
12 technological means, without authority, to access, control, disrupt, disable,
13 manipulate, or materially interfere with any camera system, computer, computer
14 system, computer network, industrial control system, operational technology system,
15 or other electronically controlled equipment used to operate, monitor, secure, or
16 control a critical infrastructure.
17 B. For the purposes of this Section, the following words shall have the
18 following meanings:
19 (1)(a) "Critical infrastructure" means any and all structures, sites, equipment,
20 or other immovable or movable property located within or upon any of the
21 following:
22 * * *
23 (c) "Critical infrastructure" includes oil and natural gas facilities and
24 operations, including but not limited to equipment and products used in drilling,
25 stimulation, completion, waste disposal, production, transportation, refining,
26 processing, storage, delivery, and transmission operations, private and public roads
27 and storage yards primarily used in such operations, and equipment that travels
28 between locations in the course and scope of such operations.
29 * * *
Page 2 of 5
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are additions.
HLS 26RS-935 ENGROSSED
HB NO. 429
1 §67.24. Theft of critical infrastructure
2 * * *
3 C.(1) Whoever commits the crime of theft of critical infrastructure when the
4 misappropriation, taking, or illegal possession amounts to a value of less than
5 twenty-five thousand dollars shall be fined not more than ten thousand dollars, or
6 imprisoned, with or without hard labor, for not more than fifteen years, or both.
7 (2) Whoever commits the crime of theft of critical infrastructure when the
8 misappropriation, taking, or illegal possession amounts to a value of twenty-five
9 thousand dollars or more shall be fined not more than fifty thousand dollars, or
10 imprisoned at hard labor for not more than twenty years, or both.
11 (3) Whoever commits the crime of theft of critical infrastructure wherein it
12 is foreseeable that human life will be threatened as a result of the theft shall be fined
13 not more than fifty thousand dollars, or imprisoned at hard labor for not more than
14 twenty years, or both.
15 * * *
16 §128.1. Terrorism
17 A. Terrorism is the commission of any of the acts enumerated in this
18 Subsection, when the offender has the intent to intimidate or coerce the civilian
19 population, influence the policy of a unit of government by intimidation or coercion,
20 or affect the conduct of a unit of government by intimidation or coercion:
21 * * *
22 (6) Theft or unauthorized entry of a critical infrastructure.
23 * * *
24 B.
25 * * *
26 (6) Whoever commits the crime of terrorism as provided in Paragraph (A)(6)
27 of this Section shall be imprisoned at hard labor for not less than twenty years.
28 * * *
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CODING: Words in struck through type are deletions from existing law; words underscored
are additions.
HLS 26RS-935 ENGROSSED
HB NO. 429
DIGEST
The digest printed below was prepared by House Legislative Services. It constitutes no part
of the legislative instrument. The keyword, one-liner, abstract, and digest do not constitute
part of the law or proof or indicia of legislative intent. [R.S. 1:13(B) and 24:177(E)]
HB 429 Engrossed 2026 Regular Session Jacob Landry
Abstract: Adds theft or unauthorized entry of critical infrastructure as predicate crimes for
terrorism and adds oil and natural gas operations to the definition of critical
infrastructure.
Present law provides for the crimes of unauthorized entry of a critical infrastructure (R.S.
14:61) and theft of critical infrastructure (R.S. 14:67.24).
Present law (R.S. 14:67.24) provides penalties for theft of critical infrastructure as follows:
(1) When the value of the stolen property is less than $25,000, a fine of not more than
$10,000 or imprisonment with or without hard labor for not more than 15 years, or
both.
(2) When the value of the stolen property is $25,000 or more, a fine of not more than
$50,000 or imprisonment at hard labor for not more than 20 years, or both.
(3) When it is foreseeable that human life will be threatened as a result of the theft, a
fine of not more than $50,000 or imprisonment at hard labor for not more than 20
years, or both.
Proposed law revises the penalty provisions so that all convictions for theft of critical
infrastructure carry a fine of not more than $50,000 or imprisonment at hard labor for not
more than 20 years, or both.
Proposed law provides that flying drones over critical infrastructure or hacking electronics
of critical infrastructure constitutes unauthorized entry.
Present law provides for crimes that, when committed with the intent to intimidate or coerce
the civilian population or influence a government entity by intimidation or coercion, qualify
as terrorism.
Proposed law adds oil and natural gas drilling operations and equipment to the definition of
critical infrastructure.
Proposed law adds unauthorized entry of critical infrastructure and theft of critical
infrastructure as crimes that, with the requisite intent, qualify as terrorism.
Proposed law requires any person who commits terrorism by theft or unauthorized entry of
a critical infrastructure to be imprisoned at hard labor for not less than 20 years.
(Amends R.S. 14:61(A)(1) and (4) and (B)(intro. para.) and 67.24(C); Adds R.S. 14:61(A)(5)
and (6) and (B)(1)(c) and 128.1(A)(6) and (B)(6))
Page 4 of 5
CODING: Words in struck through type are deletions from existing law; words underscored
are additions.
HLS 26RS-935 ENGROSSED
HB NO. 429
Summary of Amendments Adopted by House
The Committee Amendments Proposed by House Committee on Administration of
Criminal Justice to the original bill:
1. Provide that flying a drone over critical infrastructure or hacking electronics of
critical infrastructure constitutes unauthorized entry.
2. Make technical changes.
Page 5 of 5
CODING: Words in struck through type are deletions from existing law; words underscored
are additions.