                 TITLE 18--CRIMES AND CRIMINAL PROCEDURE
 
                             PART I--CRIMES
 
                     CHAPTER 65--MALICIOUS MISCHIEF
 
Sec. 1367. Interference with the operation of a satellite

    (a) Whoever, without the authority of the satellite operator, 
intentionally or maliciously interferes with the authorized operation of 
a communications or weather satellite or obstructs or hinders any 
satellite transmission shall be fined in accordance with this title or 
imprisoned not more than ten years or both.
    (b) This section does not prohibit any lawfully authorized 
investigative, protective, or intelligence activity of a law enforcement 
agency or of an intelligence agency of the United States.

(Added Pub. L. 99-508, title III, Sec. 303(a), Oct. 21, 1986, 100 Stat. 
1872.)


                             Effective Date

    Section effective 90 days after Oct. 21, 1986, and, in case of 
conduct pursuant to court order or extension, applicable only with 
respect to court orders and extensions made after such date, with 
special rule for State authorizations of interceptions, see section 302 
of Pub. L. 99-508, set out as a note under section 3121 of this title.
