HB 15 Summary

• Defines "utility worker" as any person employed by an entity that owns, operates, or controls plants, property, or facilities for generating, transmitting, distributing, or furnishing electricity, natural gas, water, steam, sewage, or telephone service to the public.

• Reclassifies assault or battery offenses against utility workers engaged in lawful performance of duties: assault reclassified from misdemeanor second degree to misdemeanor first degree; battery reclassified from misdemeanor first degree to felony third degree.

• Reclassifies aggravated assault against utility workers from felony third degree to felony second degree with minimum 3-year prison sentence; reclassifies aggravated battery against utility workers from felony second degree to felony first degree with minimum 5-year prison sentence.

• Updates the Criminal Punishment Code offense severity ranking chart (sections 921.0022) to incorporate amendments related to assault and battery offenses against utility workers.

• Takes effect July 1, 2011.