Assault and battery of a public utility worker.

Existing law makes assault punishable by a fine not exceeding $1,000, or by imprisonment in the county jail not exceeding 6 months, or by both that fine and imprisonment. Existing law makes battery punishable by a fine not exceeding $2,000, or by imprisonment in a county jail not to exceed 6 months, or by both that fine and imprisonment. Existing law provides for higher fines and longer terms of imprisonment for an assault or battery against specified individuals, including a peace officer engaged in the performance of his or her duties when the person committing the offense knows or reasonably should know that the victim is a peace officer. This bill would make assault of a utility worker, as defined, engaged in the performance of his or her duties, and the person committing the offense knows or reasonably should know that the victim is a utility worker engaged in the performance of his or her duties, punishable by a fine not exceeding $2,000, or by imprisonment in the county jail not exceeding 6 months, or by both that fine and imprisonment. This bill would make battery of a utility worker, as defined, engaged in the performance of his or her duties, when the person committing the battery knows or reasonably should know that the victim is a utility worker engaged in the performance of his or her duties, and an injury is inflicted on the utility worker, punishable by a fine of not more than $3,000, by imprisonment in a county jail not exceeding 6 months, or by both that fine and imprisonment. By enhancing the punishment for a crime, this bill would impose a state-mandated local program. The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement. This bill would provide that no reimbursement is required by this act for a specified reason.