According to the Legislative Budget Board (LBB), SB 482 would increase the penalties for assault and harassment committed against utility workers operating in disaster or evacuation areas. Specifically, it raises assault from a Class A misdemeanor to a third-degree felony and raises harassment from a Class B misdemeanor to a Class A misdemeanor under these specific circumstances.

The Legislative Budget Board notes that enhancing the criminal penalties could lead to increased demands on state correctional resources, potentially resulting in more individuals placed under community supervision or sentenced to incarceration. However, the exact fiscal impact on the state cannot be determined due to a lack of data on how frequently these offenses occur within the defined conditions​.

Similarly, the bill could have implications for local governments by increasing demand on local jails and community supervision systems, but again, the LBB states that the magnitude of the local impact is indeterminate because of insufficient data on the number of potential cases.

SB 482 enhances protections for utility workers by increasing the criminal penalties for acts of assault and harassment committed against them while they perform their duties during a declared disaster or evacuation. Prompted by real-world incidents such as those following Hurricane Beryl, where utility workers faced harassment and threats while attempting to restore vital services, the bill reflects a targeted response to ensure public safety and support critical infrastructure restoration​.

This legislation does not materially expand the size or scope of government. It does not create new agencies or grant new regulatory authority; it merely adjusts penalties under existing criminal statutes for specific offenses committed under narrow, emergency-related circumstances. Similarly, the bill does not impose new regulatory burdens on individuals, businesses, or utilities. It only affects individuals who choose to commit criminal acts against utility workers during disasters.

While the Legislative Budget Board notes there could be some increased burden on taxpayers due to potentially higher correctional costs, the fiscal impact is indeterminate and likely minimal given the specificity and rarity of the targeted offenses. These costs are outweighed by the compelling public interest in protecting essential personnel during emergencies.

The bill advances key liberty principles, particularly individual responsibility and public safety, while respecting limited government. Given its careful tailoring, minimal fiscal risks, and important policy purpose, Texas Policy Research recommends that lawmakers vote YES on SB 482.

• Individual Liberty: The bill protects the rights and safety of individual utility workers, allowing them to perform critical recovery work during emergencies without fear of violence. It ensures that their right to be free from assault or harassment is respected, even under chaotic disaster conditions.
• Personal Responsibility: The bill reinforces the idea that individuals are personally accountable for their actions, even during emergencies. If someone chooses to attack or harass a worker during a disaster, they face serious consequences. It sends a strong message that bad behavior will not be tolerated, regardless of circumstances.
• Free Enterprise: Utility services are a backbone of both the economy and public welfare, especially after disasters. Protecting utility workers ensures that private and public service providers can restore electricity, gas, and communication quickly, helping both businesses and families recover faster.
• Private Property Rights: While the bill does not directly affect ownership or property rights, it indirectly helps by speeding up the restoration of services (like electricity and water) that are crucial for protecting and maintaining private property during disasters.
• Limited Government: The bill does not expand government power into new areas. It uses existing criminal law and simply increases penalties for specific conduct under narrow, well-defined emergency conditions. It remains true to the principle that the government’s role should be to protect life, liberty, and property without overreach.

• HB 3869 (Same As)
• HB 1160 (Similar To)