Relating to the offenses of assault, harassment, and interference with public duties committed against certain employees or agents of a utility.

Contracts

• Master Service Agreements (MSAs): You must amend agreements with third-party vendors (vegetation management, meter readers, line construction) to classify them as "agents" under the statute.
• Identification Clauses: Insert strict clauses requiring vendor personnel to wear uniforms or high-visibility badging that clearly identifies them as agents of the utility. Failure to do so now constitutes a liability risk by waiving statutory safety protections.

Hiring/Training

• Field Safety Protocols: Update training modules to instruct employees to verbally identify themselves ("I am a utility worker performing my duties") during any confrontation. This establishes the "knowledge" element required for felony prosecution.
• Security Liaison Training: Security directors must be trained to cite Texas Penal Code Section 22.01 and SB482 explicitly in police reports to ensure local law enforcement charges the offense correctly (Felony vs. Misdemeanor).

Reporting & Record-Keeping

• Incident Report Forms: Revise internal security incident forms immediately. New fields are required:
• 1. Attire Verification: Did the employee have a visible badge/uniform?
• 2. Scope of Duty: What specific utility task was being performed?
• 3. Verbal Warning: Did the employee identify themselves to the aggressor?

Fees & Costs

• Uniform Inventory: Budget immediately for branded high-visibility gear for any plain-clothes field units.
• Legal Review: Minimal costs associated with updating vendor MSAs and internal safety policy documents.