The Michigan House of Representatives today approved state Rep. John Damoose’s plan to heighten legal penalties for intruders on the Mackinac Bridge, the International Bridge and other major bridges throughout Michigan.

“The Mackinac Bridge supports commerce and travel between our two great peninsulas, and other bridges are equally indispensable to our life and economic activity in Michigan,” said Damoose, R-Harbor Springs. “When people intrude on restricted areas of our bridges — causing serious security concerns for this critical infrastructure — they deserve more than a slap on the wrist. My plan will treat these crimes with the seriousness they deserve.”

Under state law, certain properties — such as chemical manufacturing facilities, refineries, power plants, hazardous waste storage, cell phone towers, ports and trucking terminals — are considered key facilities. Intentionally entering or remaining on the premises of a key facility without authorization is a felony, punishable by up to four years in prison and a $2,500 fine.

Damoose’s House Bill 5315 would add critical pieces of infrastructure to the list of eligible key facilities, including the Mackinac Bridge, Zilwaukee Bridge, Rouge River Bridge, MacArthur Bridge, international bridges and tunnels, and movable bridges. To be classified as a key facility, each bridge or tunnel would be required to post conspicuous signage warning against entry for areas off-limits to the public.

HB 5315 received overwhelming bipartisan support in the House of Representatives and now advances to the Senate for consideration.