Bill > S322

This bill amends North Carolina's assault and battery laws to specifically protect utility and communications workers by creating a new category of assault with enhanced legal consequences. The bill defines a utility or communications worker as an employee, agent, or contractor of an organization that provides electricity, natural gas, telecommunications, or internet services. To qualify for this protection, the worker must be readily identifiable as an employee, such as by wearing a uniform or outerwear with the company's logo, and must be either discharging or attempting to discharge their work duties at the time of the assault. If someone commits an assault against such a worker meeting these criteria, they can be charged with a Class 1 misdemeanor, which is a more serious criminal offense. The bill will become effective on December 1, 2025, and will apply to offenses committed on or after that date, while not affecting any prosecutions for offenses committed before the effective date. This legislation aims to provide additional legal protection for workers in critical infrastructure and service industries who may be at risk of workplace violence.

https://www.ncleg.gov/BillLookUp/2025/S322