MO HB1503

Creates three new crimes for assaulting utility workers or mass transit employees while performing their duties, with definitions covering employees of gas, electric, water, sewer, telecommunications utilities and public bus and light rail companies.

First degree assault involves attempting to kill or knowingly causing serious physical injury to such workers and is classified as a class B felony.

Second degree assault includes six categories of conduct ranging from causing physical injury with a deadly weapon to recklessly causing serious physical injury, classified as class C felony except for subdivisions (2), (5), (6), and (7) which are class B felonies.

Third degree assault includes recklessly causing physical injury, purposely placing the worker in apprehension of immediate physical injury, or knowingly causing physical contact without consent, classified as a class B misdemeanor.