AUSTIN (KXAN) — Those who would attack, harass or impede utility workers following a natural disaster will face enhanced criminal charges when a recently passed bill becomes law in September.
Senate Bill 482 would apply higher charges to those who, with "criminal negligence," "interrupts, disrupts, impedes, or otherwise interferes" with utility workers who are performing their duties. The bill passed out of the Texas Legislature on May 20.
These protections already apply to emergency services workers and their service animals, animal control workers and public health inspectors while they perform their duties. The law neatly adds utility workers to that list.
Under Texas law, a misdemeanor assault against one of these workers gets enhanced to a third-degree felony. Also, charges of harassment or obstruction of public duties would also be enhanced under SB 482.
Utility workers 'went through hell' after Beryl
SB 482 author Senator Carol Alvarado, D-Houston, cited incidents that occurred during recovery efforts after Hurricane Beryl as why she filed the bill this session.
"In the wake of Hurricane Beryl, utility workers restoring power faced not only the physical challenges of repairing downed power lines but also alarming hostility from some members of the public," she wrote in her statement of intent. "These workers were met with harassment, verbal threats and, in some cases, physical assaults that put their safety at risk. They persisted in their essential work despite these dangers, highlighting the need for stronger legal protections for utility workers during emergencies."
AP: Anger over Houston power outages after Beryl has repair crews facing threats from some residentsHundreds of workers, including Austin Energy crews, responded to Houston following Beryl.
Utility crews work to restore electricity in Houston, Thursday, July 11, 2024. Officials say about 500,000 customers still won't have electricity into next week as wide outages from Hurricane Beryl persist. (AP Photo/Lekan Oyekanmi)Ed Allen, financial secretary for the Houston local of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW 66), said that the union's members "went through hell" in the aftermath of Beryl.
“Our members went through hell following Hurricane Beryl — enduring threats and even assault — all while trying to get the power back on for folks,” said Allen in a press release. “This is about safety. Our repair crews work tirelessly during natural disasters, and this bill will keep them a bit more protected.”
No one testified against the bill before the Texas Senate's Criminal Justice Committee, according to legislative records. Representatives from utility companies and labor unions testified alongside each other in support of the bill.
The Texas AFL-CIO celebrated SB 482's passage in a press release.
“This bill is bipartisan, pro-worker, and common sense,” said Texas AFL-CIO President Rick Levy. “Our utility workers shouldn’t be subject to threats and harassment on the job — no one should. These front line workers deserve our respect and protection."
The bill is now before Texas Gov. Greg Abbott. Unless vetoed, SB 482 takes effect Sept. 1.
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