HB368 Alabama 2010 Session

Updated Feb 27, 2026

Notable

Summary

Primary Sponsor: Ronald Grantland
Democrat
Co-Sponsors: Merika Coleman Tommy Sherer James C. Fields Patricia Todd Johnny Mack Morrow Craig Ford H. Mac Gipson Mike Ball Jack Williams Jimmy Martin Blaine Galliher John W. Rogers Elaine Beech Lesley Vance Jody Letson Mike Curtis Laura Hall Artis McCampbell James L. Thomas Barbara Bigsby Boyd Terry Spicer Randy Hinshaw Betty Carol Graham James O. Gordon Ralph Howard Thad McClammy Earl F. Hilliard Chris England Oliver Robinson Lawrence McAdory
Session: Regular Session 2010
Title: Assault in the second degree, utility workers included as a protected class, utility worker defined, Sec. 13A-6-21 am'd.; Act 2009-586, 2009 Reg. Sess. am'd.
Summary: HB368 adds utility workers to Alabama's protected classes in assault laws, making it a second-degree (Class C) felony to assault them with intent to prevent them from performing their duties.
What This Bill Does
Amends the assault in the second degree statute to include utility workers as a protected class when someone intends to prevent them from performing a lawful duty and injures them. Defines 'utility worker' to cover employees of entities that own, operate, or provide public utilities (electricity, gas, water, sewage, steam, or telephone), including joint utility services. States that assaulting a utility worker in these circumstances would be treated as assault in the second degree (Class C felony). Excludes the bill from Amendment 621 local expenditure requirements because it creates a new crime or amends an existing one. Takes effect on the first day of the third month after passage and governor’s approval.

Who It Affects
Utility workers, who gain protection from intentional assault while performing their duties.
Potential attackers or defendants, who would face Class C felony penalties for such assaults aimed at utility workers.

Key Provisions
Section 13A-6-21 is amended to add 'utility worker' as a protected class within the second-degree assault provisions, specifically when the offender intends to prevent the worker from performing a lawful duty.
Defines 'utility worker' as a person employed by an entity that owns/operates/leases/controls utilities for generating, transmitting, or providing electricity, natural/manufactured gas, water, steam, sewage, or telephone service (including joint service).
Assault in the second degree remains a Class C felony under the amended statute.
The act is exempt from local expenditure review under Amendment 621 because it creates a new crime or amends an existing one.
Effective date: the first day of the third month after passage and gubernatorial approval.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 24, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.
Subjects: Crimes and Offenses