A.G. Gancarski
Lawmakers have unanimously agreed to increase consequences for attacking utility workers who are trying to get things back to normal after a disaster.
The House passed (SB 1386) from Republican Sen. Clay Yarborough. The Senate approved the bill last week.
Republican Rep. Jennifer Kincart Jonsson sponsored the companion 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.”
Industry groups are particularly appreciative, including the Florida Municipal Electric Association.
“The Florida Municipal Electric Association (FMEA) applauds the Florida Legislature for passing Senate Bill 1386/House Bill 857, which installs further protections for utility workers by reclassifying and strengthening criminal penalties for those who knowingly commit assault or battery against a utility worker,” said Executive Director Amy Zubaly.
“Electric utility workers perform jobs that keep our businesses running and provide for our most basic needs. They are first responders who already work an inherently dangerous job. Utility workers are often asked to work in extreme conditions following severe weather events, such as hurricanes. This bill will help ensure utility workers are able to work unimpeded and in a safe environment, especially as they work on repairing and maintaining critical infrastructure in their daily jobs and in response to disasters and other events causing widespread power outages.”
“Utility workers often operate in hazardous conditions — during storms, floods and emergency repairs,” said Dale Calhoun, Executive Director of the Florida Natural Gas Association. “This legislation delivers accountability needed to keep them safe and to protect the essential services Floridians rely on daily.”
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.
TECO, the Orlando Utilities Commission, Florida Public Utilities Company, and Associated Industries of Florida also supported the bill through the process.
