Signed by Governor Josh Stein

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to adopt a conference report and pass a bill that increases the punishment for assaulting a utility or communications worker and increases the penalty for reckless driving or street racing in North Carolina.

Highlights:

• Specifies that any person who commits any assault, assault and battery, or affray is guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor if, in the course of the assault, assault and battery, or affray, the person assaults a utility or communications worker while the worker is readily identifiable as a worker and discharging or attempting to discharge his or her duties (Sec. 2). 

• Specifies that for purposes of this subdivision, the term "utility or communications worker" means an employee of, agent of, or under contract with an organization, entity, or company, whether State-created or privately, municipally, county, or cooperatively owned, that provides electricity, natural gas, liquid petroleum, water, wastewater services, telecommunications services, or internet access services (Sec. 2). 

• Specifies that for purposes of this subdivision, the term "readily identifiable as a worker" shall be construed to include the worker wearing, at the time of the assault, a uniform, hat, or other outerwear bearing the logo of the utility or communications company for which the worker is an employee of, agent of, or under contract with (Sec. 2). 

• Specifies that it is unlawful for a funeral director, embalmer, or resident trainee to knowingly give, sell, permit to be sold, offer for sale, or display for sale, other than for purposes within the general scope of their activities as a funeral director, embalmer, or resident trainee, embalming fluid to another person with actual knowledge that the person is not a funeral director, embalmer, or resident trainee (Sec. 2).

• Specifies that it is unlawful for any person to place or receive any bet, wager, or other thing  of value from the outcome of any prearranged speed competition on any public street, highway, or thoroughfare. Any person who violates this subsection is guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor (Sec. 5).

• Specifies that upon filing of an application for a new license, the Division may issue a new license upon satisfactory proof that the former licensee has been of good behavior during the revocation period and that the applicant's conduct and attitude entitle the applicant to favorable consideration. The Division may impose terms and conditions upon the new license for the balance of the revocation period (Sec. 5).

Full Bill Text