Outrage grows as Texas Senate passes 'unconstitutional' bill hitting pipeline protestors with up to 10 years in prison

"Members of the legislative body look to pass laws harshly criminalizing free speech and the right to protest,” Juan Mancias, Tribal Elder with the Carrizo Comecrudo Tribe of Texas, said. This “would classify pipelines as critical infrastructure, putting them in the same category as power plants and water treatment facilities.” The “amended bill would subject those who trespass and damage the facility to a third degree felony with up to 10 years in prison,” a sentence on par with the punishment for attempted murder. “But people impairing or interrupting operations would now face a misdemeanor with a fine up to $10,000 and potentially up to one year in jail,” AP reported.