Senate Bill 42 enhances criminal protections for utility workers during disasters

In a recent meeting of the Texas Senate Committee on Criminal Justice, lawmakers discussed critical legislation aimed at enhancing protections for utility workers during declared disasters. The proposed Senate Bill 42 seeks to address the alarming rise in harassment and assaults faced by linemen and other utility personnel while they work to restore essential services after natural disasters.

Senator Alvarado highlighted the challenges utility workers encounter, particularly during emergencies like Hurricane Barrel, where they not only face the physical demands of their jobs but also threats from the public. The bill proposes to elevate the penalties for crimes committed against these workers during declared emergencies, categorizing assaults as third-degree felonies and harassment as Class A misdemeanors. This legislative move aims to ensure that utility workers feel safe while performing their duties, especially as they often come from out of state to assist in recovery efforts.

Testimonies from representatives of CenterPoint Energy and the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) underscored the urgency of the bill. Sam Chang, a director at CenterPoint, recounted instances where workers faced credible threats, including gun violence, which not only endangered their safety but also delayed power restoration efforts. Donnie Mayo from IBEW echoed these concerns, emphasizing that the safety of linemen is paramount for efficient disaster response.

The committee also heard from Taylor Kilroy, executive director of the Texas Public Power Association, who expressed worry about the future willingness of utility workers to respond to emergencies in Texas due to the risks they face. He noted that the negative experiences reported during Hurricane Barrel could deter mutual aid responses from other states in future disasters.

The discussions reflect a growing recognition of the need to protect frontline workers who play a vital role in disaster recovery. As natural disasters become more frequent, the passage of Senate Bill 42 could serve as a crucial step in safeguarding those who risk their lives to restore power and services to affected communities. The committee has left the bill pending, signaling ongoing deliberations on this important issue.