SB 1330: Assault and battery: utility workers.

The bill aims to strengthen protections for utility workers by making assaults and batteries committed against them punishable by law. An assault is defined as an attempt to commit a violent injury, while a battery is the willful use of force or violence. The bill would expand the scope of these crimes to include utility workers, who are engaged in the performance of their duties, and impose penalties of up to one year in jail or a fine of up to $2,000. This change would require a state-mandated local program. The bill also clarifies that it does not require reimbursement for certain costs associated with implementing the new law.