Arizona utilities and labor organizations expressed their appreciation to state lawmakers and Gov. Katie Hobbs for approving legislation that strengthens penalties for assaulting on-duty utility workers and helps safeguard critical infrastructure across the state.
Senator T.J. Shope (R-Coolidge) sponsored the bill and championed its passage through the legislature.
Utility workers across Arizona respond to emergencies, maintain infrastructure, and support communities during extreme weather and other critical situations.
The enactment of SB 1448, the Utility Worker Protection Act, provides additional legal protections that recognize the essential nature of this work and are intended to deter acts of violence against those performing it.
The new law, which designates attacks on on-duty utility workers as aggravated assault, will take effect in September, Arizona public power utility Salt River Project and other entities said in a June 23 news release.
Utilities and labor organizations in support of the bill extended their gratitude to Shope for his leadership and commitment to enhancing worker safety and protecting Arizona’s critical infrastructure.
Organizations supporting the bill include TEP and UniSource, Salt River Project, Arizona Public Service, Southwest Gas, Arizona Municipal Water Users Association (AMWUA), Cox Communications, and the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW).
In 2025, Public Power Current published a feature article detailing legislation proposed by state lawmakers that imposes greater penalties for assaults against electric utility workers.
