Increases punishment for assaults against utility or communications workers in North Carolina.

The North Carolina Utility Worker Protection Act increases the punishment for committing an assault against a utility or communications worker. The bill defines a "utility or communications worker" as an employee of, agent of, or under contract with an organization providing electricity, natural gas, telecommunications, or internet access services. The act makes such assaults a Class 1 misdemeanor. The bill also applies to assaults against sports officials during or immediately after sports events. The act becomes effective December 1, 2025.

Increases punishment for assaults against utility or communications workers in North Carolina.

The North Carolina Utility Worker Protection Act increases the punishment for committing an assault against a utility or communications worker. The bill defines a "utility or communications worker" as an employee of, agent of, or under contract with an organization providing electricity, natural gas, telecommunications, or internet access services. The act makes such assaults a Class 1 misdemeanor. The bill also applies to assaults against sports officials during or immediately after sports events. The act becomes effective December 1, 2025.