House Bill No. 3869 aims to increase the criminal penalties for assault and harassment offenses committed against employees or agents of utility companies, particularly in disaster or evacuated areas. The bill introduces new legal language to the Penal Code, specifically adding Subsections (d-1) to Sections 12.50 and 12.501, which stipulate that if an offense is punishable as a felony of the third degree or a Class A misdemeanor under certain conditions, the punishment for those offenses may not be increased under the respective subsections. Additionally, the bill expands the definition of "utility" to include various types of service providers and specifies that offenses against utility employees in disaster areas will carry enhanced penalties.

Furthermore, the bill modifies Section 22.01(b) to classify offenses against utility employees as felonies of the third degree when committed in specific circumstances, such as during a declared state of disaster or emergency evacuation. It also amends Section 42.07(c) to include similar provisions for harassment offenses against utility employees. The changes in law will only apply 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 42, Penal Code 12, Penal Code 22, Penal Code 11)