Upgrades penalty for assault on law enforcement to second degree crime under certain circumstances.

This bill would upgrade assaults against certain public safety and emergency personnel to a second-degree crime, increasing penalties. It directly affects anyone who assaults law enforcement officers, firefighters, school staff, healthcare workers (including at psychiatric facilities), utility workers, or emergency medical personnel while they are clearly performing their duties. Key provisions include elevating simple assault to a more serious charge when targeting these groups, and adding specific scenarios like assaulting utility workers during service repairs. The legislation aims to strengthen legal consequences for attacks on these critical workers. (Note: Bill is currently in committee review as of January 2026.)