NC H258

Adds utility and communications workers to the list of protected persons under North Carolina's Class A1 misdemeanor assault statute, requiring the worker to be readily identifiable (wearing company uniform, hat, or logo) and discharging their duties at the time of the assault

Defines "utility or communications worker" broadly to include employees, agents, or contractors of organizations providing electricity, natural gas, liquid petroleum, water, wastewater, telecommunications, or internet access services

Elevates assaults against public transit operators and transportation network company (TNC) drivers from Class A1 misdemeanors to Class I felonies under a new statute (G.S. 14-32.6)

Effective date is December 1, 2025, applying only to offenses committed on or after that date

Prosecutions for offenses committed before the effective date remain subject to prior law