A new bill filed by Sen. Britt seeks to enhance protections for utility and communications workers by increasing penalties for assaults committed while they are performing their duties, according to the North Carolina State Senate.
The bill, filed as SB 311 on March 17 during the 2025 regular session, was formally listed with the short title: ‘Utility Worker Protection Act.’
The following is our breakdown, based on the actual bill text, and may include interpretation to clarify its provisions.
In essence, this bill amends the existing law to increase the punishment for committing an assault against a utility or communications worker. Under the new provision, any person who assaults a utility or communications worker while the worker is readily identifiable and discharging or attempting to discharge their duties will be guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor. The term “utility or communications worker” covers employees, agents, or contractors of organizations providing electricity, natural gas, telecommunications services, or internet access. The bill specifies that workers must be easily identifiable, such as by wearing a uniform or logo-bearing outerwear. This act becomes effective Dec. 1, 2025, and applies to offenses committed on or after that date.
Of the three sponsors of this bill, Britt proposed the most bills (17) during the 2025 regular session.
Bills in North Carolina follow a multi-step process before becoming law. A lawmaker starts by filing a bill, which is assigned to a committee for review. The bill must be read three times in each chamber. If one chamber changes the bill after the other passes it, both must agree on the final version. Once both chambers approve the same bill, it goes to the governor, who has 10 days (or 30 if the legislature is not in session) to sign, veto, or let it become law without a signature.
You can read more about the bills and other measures here.
Britt graduated from University of Oklahoma with a JD.
Britt, a Republican, was elected to the North Carolina State Senate in 2023 to represent the state’s 24th Senate district, replacing previous state senator Amy Galey.
| Authors | Bill Number | Date Filed | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| Danny Earl Britt, Jr., Dan Blue, and David W. Craven, Jr. | SB 311 | 03/17/2025 | Utility Worker Protection Act. |
| Danny Earl Britt, Jr., Buck Newton, and Warren Daniel | SB 310 | 03/17/2025 | Religious Property – Tax Exemption. |
| Danny Earl Britt, Jr., Dana Jones, and David W. Craven, Jr. | SB 312 | 03/17/2025 | The Stars and Stripes Commitment Act. |
| Danny Earl Britt, Jr., Eddie D. Settle, and Todd Johnson | SB 268 | 03/12/2025 | Amend NC PEO Act.-AB |
| Danny Earl Britt, Jr., Eddie D. Settle, and Todd Johnson | SB 269 | 03/12/2025 | Insurance Guaranty Association Act Revisions.-AB |
| Danny Earl Britt, Jr., Eddie D. Settle, and Todd Johnson | SB 270 | 03/12/2025 | Credit Property Insurance Restrictions.-AB |
| Danny Earl Britt, Jr., Eddie D. Settle, and Todd Johnson | SB 271 | 03/12/2025 | Permitted Trade Practices/Insurance Rebates.-AB |
| Danny Earl Britt, Jr., Michael A. Lazzara, and Todd Johnson | SB 265 | 03/11/2025 | Protecting Our Community Act. |
| Danny Earl Britt, Jr., Timothy D. Moffitt, and Warren Daniel | SB 266 | 03/11/2025 | Historic Flood Event Bldg. Code Exemption. |
| Danny Earl Britt, Jr., Buck Newton, and Warren Daniel | SB 254 | 03/10/2025 | Establish Offense for Poss. of Explosive. |
| Danny Earl Britt, Jr., Amy S. Galey, and Vickie Sawyer | SB 250 | 03/06/2025 | Celebrate America’s 250th-Let Freedom Ring!. |
| Danny Earl Britt, Jr., Bill Rabon, and Tom McInnis | SB 220 | 02/27/2025 | Protect Private Property Rights.-AB |
| Danny Earl Britt, Jr. | SB 127 | 02/21/2025 | Lower Taxes for Scotland County. |
| Danny Earl Britt, Jr., Amy S. Galey, and Buck Newton | SB 117 | 02/18/2025 | GSC Uniform Comm. Code/Emerging Technologies. |
| Danny Earl Britt, Jr., Eddie D. Settle, and Warren Daniel | SB 50 | 02/04/2025 | Freedom to Carry NC. |
| Danny Earl Britt, Jr., Eddie D. Settle, and Todd Johnson | SB 51 | 02/04/2025 | Maintain NAIC Accreditation of DOI.-AB |
| Danny Earl Britt, Jr. | SB 52 | 02/04/2025 | 24th Senatorial District Local Act-1. |
