TX SB482

Elevates assault against utility employees or agents to a third-degree felony (from Class A misdemeanor) when the victim is performing job duties and the actor knows or reasonably should know the person's employment status

Adds interference with public duties (Section 38.15) to the list of offenses eligible for enhanced punishment when committed against utility workers

Creates a new offense for criminally interfering with, impeding, or disrupting utility employees or agents while they perform work duties

Increases harassment penalties from Class B to Class A misdemeanor when committed against utility workers performing their duties

Defines "utility" broadly to include electric utilities, telecommunications providers, cable/video service providers, gas utilities, oil/gas pipelines, electric cooperatives, broadband providers, and water/sewer utilities

Establishes a presumption that the actor knew the victim was a utility employee if the person was wearing a distinctive uniform or badge indicating their employment or agency status

Takes effect September 1, 2025, applying only to offenses committed on or after that date