(The Center Square) – As the legislative session heads to a close on Tuesday, more bills are being passed and heading to Gov. Greg Abbott’s desk. On Friday, one sent to Abbott will increase penalties for those who attack or harass utility workers.
It was filed after Houstonians attacked utility workers attempting to make repairs during a lengthy power outage after Hurricane Beryl struck last July, The Center Square reported. More than one million were left without power for over a week, prompting multiple legislative hearings and investigations into a range of preparedness and response failures, The Center Square reported.
After reports of violence against linemen were reported, including being shot at and having rocks thrown at them resulting in repairs being halted, Abbott and Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick held a news conference to address concerns…