Increases punishment for assaulting utility or communications workers in North Carolina.

The Worker Safety Act of 2026 in North Carolina increases the punishment for committing an assault against a utility or communications worker. The act adds a new provision to the state's criminal code, making it a Class A1 misdemeanor to assault a utility or communications worker while they are readily identifiable as a worker and discharging their duties. The act applies to offenses committed on or after December 1, 2025. Prosecutions for offenses committed before the effective date remain unaffected.

Increases punishment for assaulting utility or communications workers in North Carolina.

The Worker Safety Act of 2026 in North Carolina increases the punishment for committing an assault against a utility or communications worker. The act adds a new provision to the state's criminal code, making it a Class A1 misdemeanor to assault a utility or communications worker while they are readily identifiable as a worker and discharging their duties. The act applies to offenses committed on or after December 1, 2025. Prosecutions for offenses committed before the effective date remain unaffected.