This bill amends existing laws regarding assaults, particularly those targeting individuals in specific occupations, and enhances penalties for such offenses. It introduces new legal language to include juvenile detention staff and employees of the department of inspections, appeals, and licensing who conduct investigations or inspections among the protected categories. The bill raises the penalties for assaults against these individuals, classifying assaults with intent to inflict serious injury or those involving a dangerous weapon as class C felonies. Additionally, assaults causing bodily injury or mental illness are classified as class D felonies, while other assaults, including those involving saliva, are categorized as aggravated misdemeanors, 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 bodily fluids, including saliva, are classified as class D felonies. The inclusion of saliva in the definition of bodily fluids expands the scope of the law, which previously did not account for this fluid. The penalties for class C and D felonies, as well as aggravated misdemeanors, are clearly defined, establishing a framework for punishment that reflects the seriousness of these offenses against individuals in designated occupations.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 708.3A