NC S322

Assault against a utility or communications worker while on duty becomes a Class 1 misdemeanor, elevating the offense from simple assault

Covered workers include employees, agents, or contractors of companies providing electricity, natural gas, telecommunications, or internet access services (whether state-created, private, municipal, county, or cooperatively owned)

Worker must be readily identifiable at the time of assault, such as wearing a uniform, hat, or other outerwear bearing the company logo

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 governed by prior law