This bill amends existing laws regarding assaults, particularly those targeting individuals in specific occupations, including peace officers, jailers, correctional staff, and now juvenile detention staff. The bill enhances penalties for assaults committed against these individuals, raising the severity of the offenses. Specifically, it reclassifies assaults with intent to inflict serious injury as a class C felony, while assaults involving the use of a dangerous weapon or causing bodily injury or mental illness are classified as class D felonies. Additionally, any assault that results in contact with bodily fluids, including saliva, is categorized as an aggravated misdemeanor, with a mandatory minimum sentence of seven days.

Furthermore, the bill addresses assaults committed by inmates against employees of correctional facilities. It specifies that assaults resulting in contact with blood, seminal fluid, urine, saliva, or feces will be classified as class D felonies. The inclusion of saliva in the list of bodily fluids is a notable change from current law, which did not previously recognize it. Overall, the bill aims to provide greater protection for individuals in these critical roles and impose stricter penalties for those who commit assaults against them.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 708.3A