The Senate Corrections and Criminal Law Committee heard SB 304 authored by Sen. Koch on intimidation against utility workers. The bill originally provided that a person who communicates a threat to another person with the intent of interfering with providing utility service or communications service for a dwelling, building, or other structure commits intimidation, a Class A misdemeanor.
The bill was amended to include all persons who have a right to come on someone’s property in connection with their employment, like census workers and postal workers. Citizens Energy Group, Indiana Electric Cooperatives, Indiana Energy Association, Municipal Power Agency, Broad Band and Cable Providers, and Indiana Public Defender Council testified in support of the amended bill. Indiana NAACP opposed the bill because of the definition of intimidation and that the crime would disproportionately impact the poor, elderly, and minorities. The amended bill passed 8-0.
Read the bill at: http://iga.in.gov/legislative/2019/bills/senate/304