Incorporates broadband, internet, and wireless means into the crime of injuring electric and communication lines and authorizes municipalities to grant zoning relief for the protection of critical infrastructure.

Plain-English Summary

This bill updates Rhode Island's existing laws around protecting electric and communication infrastructure to make sure they keep up with modern technology. Currently, state law makes it a crime to damage or destroy electric lines and traditional communication lines. This bill would expand that definition to also cover broadband, internet, and wireless infrastructure — meaning it would be just as illegal to intentionally damage fiber optic cables, wireless towers, or internet equipment as it is to damage power lines or phone lines.

The bill also gives municipalities (cities and towns) new authority to grant zoning exceptions or adjustments specifically to help protect what is considered "critical infrastructure." In practical terms, this means a town could potentially allow a utility company or internet provider to build protective structures or equipment in locations that might not normally be permitted under local zoning rules, if the purpose is to safeguard important systems that communities depend on.

This legislation would affect a broad range of people and organizations. Businesses and individuals could face criminal charges for damaging broadband or wireless equipment, just as they would for cutting a power line. Internet and telecommunications companies could benefit from greater legal protections for their equipment. Local governments would gain new tools to help protect these systems through the zoning process. The bill appears aimed at addressing the reality that modern communication infrastructure — like high-speed internet and wireless networks — is just as essential to daily life and disaster response as traditional utilities.

As of early 2026, the bill has been referred to the House Corporations Committee and is still under review, with no final vote taken yet.