Bill to Protect Utility Workers Passes Both Texas Chambers
AUSTIN, Texas – Today, the Texas AFL-CIO and its affiliates celebrate the passage of Senate Bill 482 (SB 482), which aims to protect utility workers from assault and harassment, especially following natural disasters. The advocacy of the leadership and membership of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 66 in Houston played a key role in the passage of the bill.
“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 Ed Allen, business manager and financial secretary for IBEW Local 66 in Houston. “This is about safety. Our repair crews work tirelessly during natural disasters, and this bill will keep them a bit more protected.”
“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. Let’s get this bill signed.”
The bill passed the Senate in April (30-1) and the House today (130-16-2 unofficial). Authored by Texas Senators Carol Alvarado (D-Houston), César J. Blanco (D-El Paso), Molly Cook (D-Houston), and Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa (D-McAllen), and sponsored by Texas Representative E. Sam Harless (R-Spring), the bill specifically increases the criminal penalties for the offenses of assault and harassment committed against utility workers in disaster or evacuation areas. The penalty for assaulting a utility worker will be increased to a third-degree felony and the penalty for harassing a utility worker to a Class A misdemeanor.
The bill will have to go back to the Senate for final approval, before being signed by Governor Greg Abbott. It would take effect on Sept. 1, 2025.
Resources:
Texas Legislature Online: SB 482
Houston Public Media: Texas Senate passes bill to increase penalty for assaulting utility workers in aftermath of Hurricane Beryl
Video: Testimony from Donny Mayo, IBEW Local 66 business representative for generation
Texas AFL-CIO: The Good, Bad, & Ugly: 25 Labor-related bills to watch at the end of the 2025 Texas Legislative Session
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The Texas AFL-CIO is the state labor federation consisting of 240,000 affiliated union members and advocates for working people in Texas. Learn more at texasaflcio.org