On July 9, North Carolina Governor Josh Stein signed into law Senate Bill 311 – the Law and Order Act – which increases penalties for those who assault utility workers while they are on the job.
“Our team members enter many different establishments, day and night. Greenville Utilities is always looking for enhancements to their protection, the new law helps by increasing the consequence to those who consider threatening our workers with violence,” said Kevin Keyzer, Operations Support Manager.
In the law, anyone who commits assault, assault and battery, or affray against a readily identifiable utility worker as they are doing their job will be guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor. In North Carolina, a Class 1 misdemeanor has the potential to result in 120 days in jail and a fine.
“We’re grateful to our members for sharing your experiences and supporting this effort throughout the legislative process. Your voices played a vital role,” said ElectriCities CEO Roy Jones. “We also thank Governor Stein and the North Carolina General Assembly for their continued commitment to improving safety for utility workers across the state.”
The law also clearly outlines that utility workers include those who are employed by an entity that provides electric, natural gas, water, and wastewater services, among other services.
