Utility Workers in the state of Ohio face increasing risk of assault, intimidation, and threats of bodily harm with each passing day. Utility Workers are often First Responders; running into unsafe situations with airborne natural gas, unsafe electrical lines, or ruptured water lines in every community we serve at all hours of the day or night. Ohio House Bill 276, which is before the Senate Judiciary Committee would increase penalties to those who would commit crimes against Utility Workers Performing their duties. Utility Workers deserve to be SAFE while we are working to keep our communities safe by providing them with safe & reliable utilities; we believe that HB 276 is a step in that direction. Please ask the Ohio Senate to support Utility Workers in their efforts to stay safe while working in our communities.