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 existing protections for law enforcement and emergency personnel. Specifically, it proposes that assaults and batteries against utility workers engaged in critical infrastructure work 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 align with the new provisions regarding utility workers. These changes ensure that the legal framework surrounding the protection of utility workers is consistent with that of other specified personnel. 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