This bill amends existing Iowa law to enhance protections for employees and contractors of public utilities by including them in the list of occupations that are subject to increased penalties for assault. Specifically, it adds language to define assaults against these individuals as either a class C felony, a class D felony, or an aggravated misdemeanor, depending on the severity of the assault. The penalties for these offenses range from a maximum of 10 years of confinement and fines between $1,370 and $13,660 for a class C felony, to a maximum of two years of confinement and fines between $855 and $8,540 for an aggravated misdemeanor.

Additionally, the bill introduces a new provision that classifies harassment against public utility employees or contractors while they are performing their duties as harassment in the first degree, which is also categorized as an aggravated misdemeanor. This legislative change aims to provide greater safety and legal recourse for public utility workers, acknowledging the risks they face while fulfilling their responsibilities.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 708.3A