The bill amends section 784.07 of the Florida Statutes to include a new definition for "utility worker," which is defined as a person identifiable by specific markings that indicate their employment with a utility entity responsible for providing essential services such as electricity, gas, water, and communications. The bill also reclassifies offenses committed against utility workers, similar to those committed against law enforcement and other specified personnel. Specifically, it proposes that assaults on utility workers be reclassified from a misdemeanor of the second degree to a misdemeanor of the first degree, while batteries would be elevated from a misdemeanor of the first degree to a felony of the third degree.

Additionally, the bill makes conforming amendments to several other sections of Florida Statutes, including sections 901.15, 943.051, 985.11, and 985.644, to reflect the inclusion of utility workers in the definitions of specified personnel. The changes ensure that utility workers are afforded similar protections under the law as other public service employees when they are engaged in their official duties. The act is set to take effect on October 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
H 857 Filed: 784.07, 901.15, 943.051, 985.11, 985.644
H 857 c1: 784.07, 901.15, 943.051, 985.11, 985.644