Critical infrastructure vandalism

[Effective Until 7/1/2024] (a) A person commits the offense of critical infrastructure vandalism who knowingly: (a)(38) or a specific statute exists covering the same or similar conduct. See Tennessee Code 39-11-106(1) Interrupts or interferes with critical infrastructure or its operation; (2) Destroys or injures critical infrastructure; or (3) Destroys or injures a farm. (b) As used in this section: (1) “Critical infrastructure” includes, but is not limited to, the infrastructure of the following services to the general public: (A) Telephone, telegraph, television, internet, or other telecommunication services; (B) Electric, heat, natural gas, or other power or energy services; (C) 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; (D) Water, wastewater, or sewer services; and (E) Railroads and other transportation services; and (2) “Farm” has the same meaning as defined in § 43-26-102 and includes the real property, vehicles, equipment, machinery, animals, or crops contained on a farm. (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) (1) A violation of subdivision (a)(1) or (a)(2) shall be punished as theft under § 39-14-103, and graded in accordance with § 39-14-105. However, if: (A) The actual damages caused by the violation are in an amount less than one thousand dollars ($1,000), then the punishment for a violation of subdivision (a)(1) or (a)(2) must be no less than a Class E felony; and (B) The actual damages caused by the violation are in an amount of at least one thousand dollars ($1,000), then the punishment for a violation of subdivision (a)(1) or (a)(2) must be no less than a Class C felony. (2) A violation of subdivision (a)(3) 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 subdivision (a)(3) be less than a Class E felony.