Crimes and punishments; creating the Utility Worker Protection Act of 2025; establishing assault or battery of a utility worker as a felony; effective date.

HB 2883, titled the "Utility Worker Protection Act of 2025," makes assault or battery against utility workers a felony. It directly affects utility workers (including those employed by companies providing electricity, water, gas, or other essential services) and individuals who assault them while they are performing job duties. The bill establishes that such assaults carry penalties of up to two years in prison, a $1,000 fine, or both, and specifies these penalties are cumulative with other applicable charges. The law will take effect on November 1, 2025.