Statement by Amy Zubaly, Executive Director, Florida Municipal
Electric Association Regarding the Passage of HB 275 and SB 340
“Across the nation, physical and cyber-attacks on critical infrastructure assets, including electric substations, potable water utilities and natural gas facilities, have been on the rise.
In Florida, there have been no specific criminal penalties in law for these types of intentional physical and cyber-attacks on critical infrastructure; however, the Florida Legislature has taken strong action to bolster critical infrastructure security and enable swift and more severe legal actions against criminals.
We applaud the passage of HB 275 and SB 340, and the leadership of bill sponsors Rep. Jennifer Canady and Sen. Clay Yarborough, for adding additional protections to our state’s critical infrastructure by punishing those who deliberately damage these assets and charging them with a second-degree felony.
This is a much-needed step toward protecting Floridians by ensuring that our electric grid, drinking supply, and means of moving residents and visitors throughout the state are not interrupted by intentional acts of destruction.”
The Florida Municipal Electric Association (FMEA) represents the unified interests of 33 public power communities across the state, which provide electricity to more than 3 million of Florida’s residential and business consumers.
