VirginiaSB7432026 Regular SessionSenate

Damage or trespass to public services or utilities or critical infrastructure; penalties.

Sponsored By: Lashrecse D. Aird (Democratic)

Became Law

Summary

Damage or trespass to public services or utilities or critical infrastructure; penalties. Adds the intentional destruction of or damage to any fixture, equipment, or information technology system that is used to provide, process, transmit, or maintain public services, public utilities, cable television, broadband, or other critical infrastructure, as defined in relevant law, to the existing offense of damage or trespass to public services or utilities. The bill contains technical amendments and is identical to HB 317.

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

2 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.

Security can detain trespassers at power plants

Utility security guards can detain a trespasser on electric‑generating property posted with “No Trespassing” signs. They can hold the person for up to one hour while waiting for police. This authority applies only on clearly marked power‑generation sites.

Stronger penalties for harming critical infrastructure

It is a Class 4 felony to intentionally damage facilities or IT systems that provide public utilities or other critical infrastructure. This includes oil, electric, gas, water, sewer, telephone, cable, and broadband service. If repairs cost under $1,000, it is a Class 3 misdemeanor. It is also a Class 4 felony to damage or try to damage equipment where the damage might release radioactive materials or ionizing radiation beyond normal areas. If someone is injured, it is a Class 3 felony. If someone dies, it is a Class 2 felony.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Lashrecse D. Aird

    Democratic • Senate

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 364 • No: 0

House vote 3/4/2026

Passed House Block Vote

Yes: 97 • No: 0

House vote 3/4/2026

Passed House Block Vote

Yes: 99 • No: 0

House vote 3/2/2026

Reported from Courts of Justice

Yes: 22 • No: 0

Senate vote 2/13/2026

Constitutional reading dispensed Block Vote (on 3rd reading)

Yes: 38 • No: 0

Senate vote 2/13/2026

Courts of Justice Substitute agreed to

Yes: 0 • No: 0

Senate vote 2/13/2026

Read third time and passed Senate Block Vote

Yes: 38 • No: 0

Senate vote 2/12/2026

Passed by for the day Block Vote (Voice Vote)

Yes: 0 • No: 0

Senate vote 2/12/2026

Constitutional reading dispensed Block Vote (on 1st reading)

Yes: 40 • No: 0

Senate vote 2/11/2026

Reported from Finance and Appropriations

Yes: 15 • No: 0

Senate vote 2/4/2026

Reported from Courts of Justice with substitute and rereferred to Finance and Appropriations

Yes: 15 • No: 0

Actions Timeline

  1. Acts of Assembly Chapter text (CHAP0106)

    4/6/2026Governor
  2. Approved by Governor-Chapter 106 (effective 7/1/2026)

    4/6/2026Governor
  3. Governor's Action Deadline 11:59 p.m., April 13, 2026

    3/14/2026Governor
  4. Enrolled Bill communicated to Governor on March 14, 2026

    3/14/2026Senate
  5. Fiscal Impact Statement from Department of Planning and Budget (SB743)

    3/11/2026Senate
  6. Bill text as passed Senate and House (SB743ER)

    3/10/2026Senate
  7. Enrolled

    3/10/2026Senate
  8. Signed by President

    3/10/2026Senate
  9. Signed by Speaker

    3/10/2026House
  10. Passed House Block Vote (99-Y 0-N 0-A)

    3/4/2026House
  11. Reconsideration of passage agreed to by House

    3/4/2026House
  12. Passed House Block Vote (97-Y 0-N 0-A)

    3/4/2026House
  13. Read third time

    3/4/2026House
  14. Read second time

    3/3/2026House
  15. Reported from Courts of Justice (22-Y 0-N)

    3/2/2026House
  16. Referred to Committee for Courts of Justice

    2/24/2026House
  17. Read first time

    2/24/2026House
  18. Placed on Calendar

    2/24/2026House
  19. Fiscal Impact Statement from Department of Planning and Budget (SB743)

    2/16/2026Senate
  20. Read third time and passed Senate Block Vote (38-Y 0-N 0-A)

    2/13/2026Senate
  21. Constitutional reading dispensed Block Vote (on 3rd reading) (38-Y 0-N 0-A)

    2/13/2026Senate
  22. Courts of Justice Substitute agreed to

    2/13/2026Senate
  23. Rules suspended

    2/13/2026Senate
  24. Engrossed by Senate - committee substitute Block Vote (Voice Vote)

    2/13/2026Senate
  25. Read second time

    2/13/2026Senate

Bill Text

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