Rep. Mosely has introduced HB 1220 which would increase the penalty for a battery conviction if the battery results in bodily injury to a utility worker. The penalty would go from a Class D felony instead of a Class B misdemeanor.
Battery is “knowingly or intentionally touching another person in a rude, insolent, or angry manner.” It becomes a Class A misdemeanor if it results in bodily injury or if it’s committed (without causing bodily injury) against a law enforcement officer, correctional officer, firefighter, or the state chemist. It gets even more serious and is raised to a Class D felony if it causes bodily injury to (among others) a law enforcement officer, a person under 14 years old, a mentally or physically disabled person by someone caring for that person, a repeat conviction for battery on the same person, a correctional officer, a school employee, or a correctional officer. Utility workers would get added to this list.
So, if you’re mad, don’t beat up on the DISH-TV guy. Maybe call up a plumber instead.