The Assembly Public Safety Committee meeting on July 1, 2025, focused on the urgent need for enhanced safety measures for utility workers in California. Testimonies from representatives of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBW) highlighted alarming incidents of violence faced by their members while on the job.

Nate Fairman, business manager for IBW Local 465, spoke on behalf of 50,000 utility workers, detailing a series of violent encounters that have become increasingly common. Fairman recounted harrowing experiences, including physical assaults, threats, and even sexual assault against female workers. He emphasized that these incidents are not isolated to specific regions but are occurring statewide, creating a perilous work environment for utility employees who already deal with high-voltage power lines and high-pressure gas lines.

Fairman presented a report documenting 35 incidents of violence in San Diego alone, underscoring the urgent need for state intervention. He urged the committee to support Senate Bill 431, which aims to implement new preventative measures designed to deter such violent acts against utility workers. Fairman expressed hope that the bill would provide the necessary protections to ensure the safety of workers in the field.

The discussion reflects a growing concern for the safety of utility workers in California, as they face increasing risks while performing essential services. The committee's support for SB 431 could mark a significant step toward improving workplace safety for these employees.