Upgrades assault on victims who are elderly or disabled.

This bill amends New Jersey's assault laws to impose stricter penalties for attacking specific protected groups, including elderly and disabled individuals. Under the proposed changes, any simple assault committed against these vulnerable victims would be automatically classified as an aggravated assault, carrying a more severe criminal charge. The legislation also expands the list of protected persons to include a wide range of workers such as school staff, utility employees, and healthcare providers when they are performing their official duties. By reclassifying attacks on these groups as aggravated offenses, the bill ensures that perpetrators face harsher legal consequences than those who assault the general public.