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HB 1160

Relating to increasing the criminal penalties for the offenses of assault and harassment committed against certain employees or agents of a utility and to the prosecution of the criminal offense of interference with public duties of those employees or agents; increasing criminal penalties for certain criminal offenses relating to interference with public duties.

89th Legislature (2025) Introduced by Mano DeAyala and 5 co-sponsors

Texas bill enhances criminal penalties for assaulting, harassing, or interfering with utility employees performing their duties to strengthen worker safety protections.

Referred to Criminal Justice
#crimes--againstpersons--general(i0170) #utilities--general(i0830)
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 1160

Legislative bill overview

HB 1160 increases criminal penalties for assault, harassment, and interference with public duties offenses when committed against utility employees or agents performing their work. The bill aims to provide enhanced legal protection for workers in the utility sector who may face violence or obstruction while carrying out essential services.

Why is this important

Utility workers often face confrontation in the field—at homes, businesses, and public spaces—while performing meter readings, repairs, and inspections. Enhanced penalties could deter violent resistance to utility workers entering properties or performing their duties, potentially reducing workplace injuries and improving safety for essential service providers.

Potential points of contention

  • Scope and definition: The bill's exact definitions of which utility employees qualify for enhanced protection and what constitutes actionable interference remain critical—overly broad language could criminalize minor disputes between residents and utility workers.
  • Disparate impact: Enhanced penalties for assaulting utility workers versus other workers could raise equity concerns if applied unevenly across different utility companies or socioeconomic areas.
  • Private property rights: Residents may contest the balance between utility access rights and homeowner protections, particularly regarding warrantless entry or emergency access claims.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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