Criminal penalty provision for assaulting housing and redevelopment authority employees

This bill would create a new criminal offense for assaulting employees of Minnesota housing and redevelopment authorities. It directly affects workers in housing agencies, including paid staff, volunteers, contractors, and those in roles like property management, inspections, and tenant services. The law makes assaulting these employees during official duties a gross misdemeanor, but if the assault causes bodily harm, it becomes a felony punishable by up to two years in prison or a fine of up to $4,000. The changes would take effect on August 1, 2026, and apply to crimes committed on or after that date.