H.B. No. 1160 aims to enhance criminal penalties for assault and harassment offenses committed against employees or agents of utilities, as well as for interference with their public duties. The bill amends various sections of the Penal Code, including Section 12.50(b), which now includes offenses under Section 38.15, specifically addressing interference with public duties. Additionally, it modifies Section 22.01 to classify assaults against utility employees as felonies of the third degree when committed while they are performing their official duties. The bill also introduces a definition of "utility" that encompasses various service providers, including electric, telecommunications, and water utilities.

Furthermore, the bill expands the scope of individuals protected under the law by including utility employees in the definitions of public servants and emergency services personnel. It establishes that individuals are presumed to know when they are assaulting a public servant or utility employee if the person is identifiable by a uniform or badge. The legislation also clarifies that the changes will apply only to offenses committed on or after the effective date of September 1, 2025, ensuring that prior offenses are governed by the law in effect at the time they were committed.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Penal Code 22.01, Penal Code 11.003 (Penal Code 22, Penal Code 11)
House Committee Report: Penal Code 12.50, Penal Code 22.01, Penal Code 13.002 (Penal Code 13, Penal Code 12, Penal Code 22, Penal Code 11)
Engrossed: Penal Code 12.50, Penal Code 22.01, Penal Code 13.002, Penal Code 42.07 (Penal Code 13, Penal Code 22, Penal Code 42, Penal Code 11, Penal Code 12)