FL H0127

Defines "utility worker" as a person employed by or under contract with an entity that owns or operates utilities providing electricity, gas, water, sewage, telephone, or communications services to the public.

Reclassifies assault or battery offenses committed against utility workers during lawful performance of duties: assault elevated from misdemeanor second degree to first degree; battery elevated from misdemeanor first degree to felony third degree; aggravated assault elevated from felony third degree to second degree; aggravated battery elevated from felony second degree to first degree.

Applies minimum mandatory sentences to aggravated offenses against utility workers: 3 years for aggravated assault; 5 years for aggravated battery; enhanced to 3-8 years if offender possessed a firearm or destructive device.

Amends arrest authority and fingerprinting provisions in sections 901.15, 943.051, 985.11, and 985.644 to include utility workers in the same protections afforded to law enforcement officers, firefighters, and emergency medical providers.

Updates the Criminal Punishment Code offense severity ranking chart to reflect new penalties for battery and aggravated battery offenses against utility workers; effective July 1, 2012.