The bill amends section 784.07 of the Florida Statutes to include a new definition for "utility worker," which is defined as an individual identifiable by specific markings that indicate their employment with a utility company responsible for providing essential services such as electricity, gas, water, and communications. The bill also reclassifies offenses committed against utility workers, similar to those protections already in place for law enforcement officers and other specified personnel. Specifically, it proposes that assaults and batteries against utility workers will be reclassified to more severe offenses, increasing penalties for such actions.

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 protected personnel. These changes ensure that the legal framework surrounding the protection of utility workers aligns with the enhanced penalties for assaults and batteries against them. 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