Stopping the Theft and Destruction of Broadband Act of 2025
- Sponsor
- Rep. Lee, Laurel M. [R-FL-15]
- Committees
- Judiciary Committee (primary)
- Last action
- Apr 9, 2025
Bottom line
The bill criminalizes the destruction of broadband internet infrastructure, extending federal protections previously limited to government-owned or military-related communication assets to the broader commercial broadband network.
What it actually does
This bill amends Section 1362 of title 18, United States Code, to explicitly prohibit the destruction of facilities used to provide broadband internet access service. It expands the existing federal prohibition, which previously applied mainly to government-operated or military/civil defense communication assets, to include privately owned broadband infrastructure. The bill also provides a specific definition for 'broadband internet access service' to clarify the scope of this expanded protection.
Proponents argue
Proponents argue that this bill is crucial for protecting essential modern infrastructure from malicious damage, ensuring reliable internet access for all Americans, and deterring acts of sabotage against critical communication networks. They emphasize that broadband is no longer a luxury but a necessity for economic activity, education, and public safety, warranting robust federal protection.
Opponents contend
Opponents might argue that existing state and local laws already adequately address property destruction and vandalism, making federal intervention redundant or an overreach. Concerns could be raised about potential federalization of local crimes or the broad definition of 'broadband internet access service' leading to unintended consequences or disproportionate penalties for minor acts of vandalism.
The bill is very short and straightforward, allowing for quick comprehension by any informed reader.
Section 2, paragraphs (1) through (3)
Broadening Federal Protection for Communication Facilities
This provision amends 18 U.S.C. 1362 to expand the types of communication infrastructure protected under federal law. It explicitly includes facilities used to provide broadband internet access service, removes the requirement that the facilities be 'operated or controlled by the United States,' and eliminates the condition that they must be 'used or intended to be used for the military or civil defense functions of the United States.' This means that damaging privately owned broadband infrastructure would become a federal crime, subject to federal prosecution.
Supporters argue
Supporters argue that this expansion is necessary to reflect the critical role broadband plays in modern society. They contend that protecting this infrastructure at the federal level ensures a consistent and robust response to acts of sabotage or vandalism, which can have widespread economic and social consequences.
Critics contend
Critics might argue that this federalizes crimes that are adequately handled by state and local laws, potentially leading to an overburdening of federal courts or a misallocation of federal law enforcement resources. Some may also express concern about the scope of federal power expanding into areas traditionally managed by states.
Tradeoffs
The bill balances the need for robust protection of critical infrastructure against concerns about federal overreach into areas traditionally governed by state criminal law. It also weighs the benefits of national security and economic stability against potential impacts on the federal justice system.
Section 2, paragraph (4)
Defining 'Broadband Internet Access Service'
This provision adds a specific definition for 'broadband internet access service' to 18 U.S.C. 1362. It defines it as a 'mass-market retail service by wire or radio' that allows data transmission to and from 'all or substantially all internet endpoints,' including incidental capabilities, but explicitly excludes dial-up service. Crucially, it also includes any service the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) finds to be providing a functional equivalent. This definition clarifies precisely what infrastructure is covered by the expanded federal protection.