Under the provisions of House Bill 4108, those convicted of trespass or causing willful damage will be guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of not less than $1,000 or imprisonment in a county jail for a term of six months or both. An organization found to be a conspirator will face a $10,000 fine.
“Airports see thousands of travelers every day, whether flying for personal reasons or to conduct important business,” Ford said. “It’s vital that we keep these people safe and commerce unimpeded whether from the threat of terrorists, cyber attackers or even just thoughtless pranksters. This legislation will help, and I’m glad to see it signed into law.”
Sen. Dave Rader, R-Tulsa, is the Senate author of the bill.
“House Bill 4108 adds another layer of protection to keep every part of our airports safe and secure,” Rader said. “This measure will deter trespassing and vandalism that could put travelers or airport operations at risk.”
The new language of the law adds the operational area of an airport, including runways, taxiways, ramps, apron areas, aircraft parking and storage areas, fuel storage areas, maintenances areas and any other area of an airport used or intended to be used for landing, takeoff or surface maneuvering of aircraft.
Other critical infrastructure includes petroleum refineries, electrical power generating facilities, water structures, natural gas stations, wireless telecommunication infrastructure and more.
HB4108 takes effect Nov. 1.
Ross Ford, a Republican, represents House District 76 in the Oklahoma House of Representatives. His district includes part of Tulsa County.
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