Frontline utility workers will soon have stronger protections under California law after Gov. Gavin Newsom signed IBEW 1245-sponsored SB 1330 over the weekend.
The new law increases penalties for assault or battery against utility workers while they are performing their jobs. A violation can be punished by up to one year in county jail, a fine of up to $2,000, or both.
IBEW 1245 has been working for years to secure stronger protections for members who routinely work in public-facing jobs — restoring power, responding to emergencies, maintaining critical infrastructure and performing other essential work in communities across California.
Unfortunately, these attacks are part of a broader pattern of violence and threats against utility workers. Since 2024, more than 450 such incidents have been reported across California’s major utilities. Earlier this year, an IBEW 1245-represented PG&E contract worker was shot while working in Camino in El Dorado County. In August, a Southern California Edison crew was shot at while working in San Bernardino County.
“This is an important victory for the men and women who do this essential work every day,” said IBEW 1245 Business Manager Bob Dean. “Our brothers and sisters already face enough hazards doing the essential work that keeps California running. I’m proud of every IBEW 1245 member who spoke up, shared their experiences and helped us get these stronger protections into law.”
IBEW 1245 has been pursuing stronger protections for utility workers for nearly eight years, but previous efforts faced resistance to increasing criminal penalties.
“This has been a long time coming,” said IBEW 1245 Legislative Advocate Hunter Stern. “We’ve been working to strengthen protections for utility workers for the last eight years, and this year it was our turn. I want to thank Bob Dean for his leadership in getting this bill across the finish line, and the many IBEW 1245 members who stepped up, shared their stories and advocated for stronger protections.”
Among those members was SMUD Utility Compliance Specialist Jill Long, who was held against her will in a customer’s backyard while on the job. Long brought her experience to the State Capitol, sharing her story at a press conference and before legislators in committee to help make the case for stronger protections for utility workers.
SB 1330 passed the Legislature with unanimous bipartisan support — 39-0 in the Senate and 78-0 in the Assembly — before being signed into law by Gov. Gavin Newsom.
SB 1330 will take effect Jan. 1, 2027.