S.B. No. 482 amends the Penal Code to enhance the penalties for offenses such as assault, harassment, and interference with public duties when these crimes are committed against certain employees or agents of utilities. The bill adds new categories to the list of offenses that can incur increased punishment, specifically including Section 38.15, which pertains to interference with public duties. Additionally, it expands the definition of individuals protected under these laws to include employees or agents of utilities, thereby recognizing the importance of their roles and the need for their protection while performing their duties.

The bill also clarifies the definition of "utility" to encompass various types of service providers, including electric utilities, telecommunications providers, and gas utilities, among others. It establishes that an offense committed against a utility employee or agent while they are performing their duties will be treated with greater severity. The changes in law will apply only to offenses committed on or after the effective date of the Act, which is set for September 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Penal Code 12.50, Penal Code 12.501, Penal Code 22.01, Penal Code 11.003, Penal Code 42.07 (Penal Code 22, Penal Code 11, Penal Code 12, Penal Code 42)
Senate Committee Report: Penal Code 12.50, Penal Code 12.501, Penal Code 22.01, Penal Code 11.003, Penal Code 42.07 (Penal Code 22, Penal Code 11, Penal Code 12, Penal Code 42)
Engrossed: Penal Code 22.01, Penal Code 11.003, Penal Code 42.07 (Penal Code 22, Penal Code 11, Penal Code 12, Penal Code 42)
House Committee Report: Penal Code 22.01, Penal Code 11.003, Penal Code 42.07 (Penal Code 22, Penal Code 11, Penal Code 12, Penal Code 42)
Enrolled: Penal Code 12.50, Penal Code 22.01, Penal Code 11.003, Penal Code 13.002, Penal Code 42.07 (Penal Code 13, Penal Code 11, Penal Code 22, Penal Code 42, Penal Code 12)