HOUSTON, TEXAS — The Texas Legislature has passed Senate Bill 482, which would make assaulting a utility worker a third-degree felony. The bill now awaits Governor Greg Abbott’s signature to become law.
Authored by State Senator Carol Alvarado, the bill aims to enhance legal protections for employees and agents of utility companies who face threats or violence while performing their duties, particularly during emergency situations.
The legislation was introduced in response to incidents involving CenterPoint Energy workers in Houston, who reported an increase in assaults and threats following Hurricane Beryl.
The hurricane made landfall near Matagorda on July 8, 2024, causing widespread damage and leaving more than 2.5 million Texans without power.
The Texas Senate passed the bill following reports of these incidents. The Texas House had earlier approved the measure, clearing the way for it to proceed to the governor’s desk.
If signed into law, the bill would classify assaults on utility workers as third-degree felonies, carrying a penalty of two to ten years in prison. The new penalties would take effect in the upcoming legislative session.