A.G. Gancarski- analyst
- Associated Industries of Florida
- Clay Yarborough
- emergency medical care provider
- firefighter
- Florida Municipal Electric Association
- Florida Natural Gas Association
- Florida Public Utilities Company
- hospital personnel
- inspector
- law enforcement explorer
- officer
- operator
- parking enforcement specialist
- public transit employee
- railroad special officer
- SB 1386
- TECO
- the Florida Municipal Natural Gas Association
- the Orlando Utilities Commission
- Tom Leek
- traffic accident investigation officer
- traffic infraction enforcement officer
- utility workers
More consequences could be on the way for attacking utility workers who are trying to get things back to normal after a disaster.
The Senate has passed legislation (SB 1386) from Republican Sen. Clay Yarborough, who made the case that the bill was necessary given recent events.
“Last year we passed legislation that provides stringent penalties for individuals who intentionally damage critical infrastructure. Increased threats to utility workers have led to a need for this bill in order to keep workers safer,” Yarborough said ahead of the unanimous vote to pass his bill.
The legislation would deem utility workers deserving of the same protection as an “officer, firefighter, emergency medical care provider, hospital personnel, railroad special officer, traffic accident investigation officer, traffic infraction enforcement officer, inspector, analyst, operator, law enforcement explorer, parking enforcement specialist, public transit employee or agent, or security officer.”
Under the bill, simple assault on a lineman would be reclassified as a first-degree misdemeanor. It’s now a second-degree offense.
Battery against a utility worker is currently a first-degree misdemeanor. Under this bill, it would be a third-degree felony with no less than a six-month prison sentence.
Those guilty of aggravated assault would spend three years in prison, and five years would be the penalty for aggravated battery.
“Our utility workers play a critical role in maintaining power, water, gas and communication services, and they are especially important during hurricanes, floods and other natural disasters. This additional protection ensures they can work safely and efficiently,” Yarborough said.
The House version of this proposal is on the Second Reading Calendar, meaning odds are good that this legislation ultimately lands on Gov. Ron DeSantis’ desk.
The Florida Municipal Electric Association, the Florida Municipal Natural Gas Association, TECO, the Orlando Utilities Commission, Florida Public Utilities Company, Florida Natural Gas Association, and Associated Industries of Florida all support the bill.
