MO HB1516

Adds "utility worker" as a protected class to Missouri's assault statutes (sections 565.081, 565.082, and 565.083), extending the same legal protections previously afforded to law enforcement officers, corrections officers, emergency personnel, and highway workers.

Defines "utility worker" as any employee or contract worker of a utility providing gas, heat, electricity, water, steam, telecommunications services, or sewer services, whether privately, municipally, or cooperatively owned.

Establishes three degrees of assault against utility workers with corresponding penalties: first degree (class A felony), second degree (class B or C felony with mandatory jail time for certain violations), and third degree (class A misdemeanor).

Applies the same criminal negligence and recklessness standards to utility workers as existing law applies to other protected workers, including provisions for serious physical injury, deadly weapons, and intoxicated operation of vehicles.