Bill > HB1160

This bill increases criminal penalties for assault, harassment, and interference with public duties when the victim is an employee or agent of a utility. Specifically, the bill expands existing legal protections to include utility workers by defining "utility" broadly to encompass electric, telecommunications, gas, pipeline, water, and other service providers. Under the new provisions, assaulting or harassing a utility employee while they are performing job duties would be considered a felony of the third degree, which is a more serious criminal charge than a standard assault. The bill also makes it a Class A misdemeanor to intentionally interfere with or disrupt a utility employee's work, with potential escalation to more severe penalties for repeat offenders. Additionally, the bill provides a presumption that an actor knew the victim's professional status if the employee was wearing a distinctive uniform or badge. The changes to the law will apply only to offenses committed on or after September 1, 2025, ensuring that existing cases are not retroactively affected by the new statute.

Justice

https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=HB1160