Bill > H0857

This bill modifies Florida law to provide enhanced legal protections for utility workers by defining the term "utility worker" and including them in existing statutes that provide heightened criminal penalties for assaults against certain types of workers. Specifically, the bill defines a utility worker as a person who is clearly identifiable through patches, emblems, or organizational identification, and who works for entities providing essential services like electricity, gas, water, communications, or other utilities. The legislation reclassifies criminal offenses committed against utility workers, making assaults and batteries against them more serious crimes. For example, a simple assault against a utility worker would be elevated from a second-degree misdemeanor to a first-degree misdemeanor, and battery would be elevated from a first-degree misdemeanor to a third-degree felony. The bill also updates several related statutes to ensure consistency, including provisions related to arrests, fingerprinting, and background checks. These changes are designed to provide additional legal protection for utility workers who are performing critical infrastructure work and may be at risk of workplace violence. The bill is set to take effect on October 1, 2025.

Business and Industry, Justice

Criminal Justice Subcommittee (H)

https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2025/857