Substitute House Bill No. 5496 aims to enhance workplace violence protections for utility and public works employees by mandating specific assessments and training programs. Effective October 1, 2026, the bill defines "employer" to include municipal utilities, regional water authorities, public service companies, and municipal public works departments. It requires these employers to conduct a risk assessment by January 1, 2027, identifying factors that may expose employees to workplace violence, such as working directly with customers, working alone, and the crime rate in the area. Additionally, employers must develop and implement a workplace violence prevention and response training program by July 1, 2027, which includes training on risk factors, prevention methods, conflict resolution, and self-defense.

The bill also mandates that employers maintain detailed records of workplace violence incidents, including specific locations, and submit an annual report to the Department of Labor by January 1 each year. The definition of "workplace violence" encompasses acts or threats of physical violence, harassment, or intimidation occurring at a work site, excluding incidents at the employer's site. The legislation aims to improve safety for employees who interact directly with customers, thereby addressing potential risks associated with their roles.