Increases punishment for assaults on utility workers in North Carolina.

The North Carolina Utility Worker Protection Act increases the punishment for assaults on utility workers, including those providing gas, electricity, water, and other services. The bill defines "utility worker" broadly to include employees of state-created, municipal, county, or cooperatively owned organizations. Assaults on utility workers in the course of their duties are now classified as Class A1 misdemeanors, with additional penalties for repeat offenses and assaults causing serious injury or involving deadly weapons.

Increases punishment for assaults on utility workers in North Carolina.

The North Carolina Utility Worker Protection Act increases the punishment for assaults on utility workers, including those providing gas, electricity, water, and other services. The bill defines "utility worker" broadly to include employees of state-created, municipal, county, or cooperatively owned organizations. Assaults on utility workers in the course of their duties are now classified as Class A1 misdemeanors, with additional penalties for repeat offenses and assaults causing serious injury or involving deadly weapons.