#StrongEconomies Webinar: Workforce Protection: Strengthening Safeguards for Utility Workers Performing Essential Infrastructure Work

Thursday, September 24, 2026

Zoom

#StrongEconomies Webinar: Workforce Protection: Strengthening Safeguards for Utility Workers Performing Essential Infrastructure Work

Graphic invitation

*This was a live-only event! Please access the resources on this page for information related to this subject-matter. Utility workers are essential to keeping the infrastructure our communities rely on safe and operational. Yet utility personnel increasingly face threats, harassments and physical assaults while carrying out their duties. This session will examine the evolving workforce environment for utility workers and the growing need for stronger protections. The discussion will explore ways to ensure utility personnel have the support and safeguards they need to perform their duties safely and effectively. Please note, this is a LIVE event and will not be recorded.

Speaker(s):

Megan Levy, State, Local, Tribal, and Territorial (SLTT) Program Manager for the Office of Cybersecurity, Energy Security, and Emergency Response at the U.S. Department of Energy

Amanda Hartsell, Physical Security Analyst, Northwestern Energy

Amanda Sramek, Director Security Preparedness, American Gas Association

Moderator:

Oregon Representative Emerson Levy, WIG State Director

Resources

NCSL State Policy in relation to Utility Worker Protections

FL SB 1386: Assault or Battery on a Utility Worker

Montana Vehicle Operating Requirements – Approaching Stationary Emergency Vehicle Or Stationary Highway Worker Vehicle

TN HB 0901 – Makes the enhanced maximum fine of up to $15,000 applicable to aggravated assault when committed against an identifiable employee or contractor of a utility who is discharging or attempting to discharge such person’s official duties

NY S02251A – Elevates assault of a utility worker in the second degree to a class D felony; includes an employee of an entity governed by the public service law within such provisions.

Idaho SB 1321 – ASSAULT AND BATTERY – Amends existing law regarding assault or battery upon employees of a public or consumer-owned utility.

Missouri Revisor of Statutes – protecting utility personnel

New Jersey Statute 2C:12-1; Elevates a simple assault against an identifiable utility employee to aggravated assault

Minnesota Statute 609.2231 – Specifically protects utility employees and contractors from assault while performing their duties.

Pennsylvania 18.2702 – Aggravated Assault is a felony of the second degree; specifically includes public utility employees

Michigan Penal Code MCL – Section 750 81e – Assault or battery of employee or contractor of public utility; violation as misdemeanor or felony; penalty; other violations

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