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Bill

HB 3869

Relating to increasing the criminal penalties for the offenses of assault and harassment committed against certain employees or agents of a utility and committed in a disaster area or evacuated area.

89th Legislature (2025) Introduced by Sam Harless

Texas bill HB 3869 increases criminal penalties for assaulting or harassing utility workers during disasters or evacuations to protect emergency infrastructure restoration and worker safety.

Referred directly to subcommittee by chair
#crimes--againstpersons--general(i0170) #crimes--miscellaneous(i0200) #disasterpreparedness&relief(i0211) #harassment(s0058) #utilities--general(i0830)
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Bill Summary · HB 3869

Legislative bill overview

HB 3869 proposes enhancing criminal penalties for assault and harassment specifically targeting utility company employees or agents working in disaster zones or evacuated areas. The bill would create harsher punishments for these offenses compared to standard assault and harassment charges, recognizing the elevated vulnerability of utility workers during emergencies.

Why is this important

Utility workers are essential to disaster response and recovery efforts, restoring power and services when communities are most vulnerable. Assaults on these workers during disasters can disrupt critical infrastructure restoration, endanger lives, and deter qualified personnel from responding to emergencies. This bill attempts to protect workforce safety and ensure emergency operations continue unimpeded.

Potential points of contention

  • Definition clarity: The bill may need precise definitions of what constitutes a "disaster area" and "evacuated area" to avoid overly broad application or legal challenges regarding jurisdiction boundaries
  • Proportionality concerns: Critics may argue that enhanced penalties based on location and employer type, rather than the severity of the act itself, raises constitutional questions about equal protection
  • Practical enforcement: Determining whether an offense occurred in a qualifying disaster zone during active emergencies could create administrative and evidentiary burdens for prosecutors

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

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