Assault and battery: utility workers.

Senator Arreguín's legislation extends assault and battery protections to utility workers performing infrastructure maintenance and repairs, adding them to the list of professionals who receive enhanced legal safeguards under California law. The bill amends the Penal Code to make assaults or batteries against utility workers punishable by up to one year in county jail, a fine up to $2,000, or both.

The measure defines utility workers as employees or contractors of investor-owned or publicly owned utilities who construct, maintain, or repair water, electrical, or gas infrastructure. These workers join other protected professionals including peace officers, firefighters, and emergency medical personnel who already receive similar protections when performing their duties.

While the bill creates a state-mandated local program by expanding criminal penalties, it specifies that local agencies and school districts are not entitled to state reimbursement for implementation costs. This provision aligns with constitutional exemptions for legislation that modifies crime definitions or penalties.