The bill amends existing laws to enhance protections for individuals in certain occupations, specifically targeting assaults against members of protected occupations such as peace officers, health care providers, and correctional staff. It establishes that assaults against these individuals, particularly when the assailant is aware of their status, will be classified as felonies or aggravated misdemeanors depending on the circumstances, such as the use of a weapon or causing bodily injury. Additionally, the bill allows victims of such assaults to request testing for communicable diseases from the assailant if there is reason to believe the assailant may be infected.

Furthermore, the bill introduces new provisions regarding the confidentiality of peer support communications for public safety personnel. It specifies that communications made during peer support sessions are protected and cannot be disclosed in investigations or legal proceedings, with certain exceptions for disclosures related to criminal activity or threats of harm. The bill also includes a new section that criminalizes the act of obstructing first responders after receiving a warning, categorizing such actions as a serious misdemeanor. Overall, the legislation aims to strengthen the legal framework surrounding the safety and confidentiality of public safety professionals.

Statutes affected:
Reprinted: 708.3A, 218.1, 622.10