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.
What changed between versions
Added broadband providers and retail water/sewer utilities to the list of protected utility employees under Section 22.01(e).
Added new protected categories including pregnant individuals forced to have abortions and those investigating specific sites under public health and safety regulations.
Added a presumption that actors knew a person was a protected public servant or utility employee if the person was wearing a distinctive uniform or badge.
Increased criminal penalties for assaulting public servants and certain utility employees from Class A misdemeanor to felony of the third degree in specific circumstances.
Modified Section 42.07(c) to increase penalties to Class A misdemeanor when offenses are committed against utility employees performing duties within the scope of their employment.
Expanded the definition of 'Utility' in Section 22.01(e) to include broadband providers and retail water/sewer utility services.
