After months of advocacy by IBEW 1245 members, including sharing their firsthand experiences with being subject to violence and harassment on the job, a IBEW 1245-sponsored bill to strengthen protections for utility workers has cleared the California Legislature and is headed to Gov. Gavin Newsom’s desk.
“Our members already perform dangerous work every day,” said IBEW 1245 Business Manager Bob Dean. “They should never have to worry about being attacked simply for doing their jobs.”
Senate Bill 1330, authored by Senator Jesse Arreguín, would strengthen penalties for assault or battery against utility workers while they are performing their jobs. The bill would help ensure they receive the same level of protection afforded to other frontline public servants. Violations could be punishable by up to one year in county jail, a fine of up to $2,000, or both.
The bill passed the Legislature with bipartisan support on August 31.
IBEW 1245 sponsored SB 1330 following a troubling rise in violence and threats against utility workers. Since 2024, at least 450 such incidents have been reported across California’s major utilities.
Earlier this year, one of our members, a PG&E contract worker was shot while working in Camino. IBEW 1245 member and SMUD Utility Compliance Specialist Jill Long was also held against her will in a customer’s backyard. In August, a Southern California Edison crew was shot at while working in San Bernardino County.
SB 1330 now awaits action by Gov. Gavin Newsom, who has until September 30 to sign or veto the bill.
IBEW 1245 urges the Governor to sign SB 1330 and give California’s utility workers the protections they deserve.