The bill amends the Michigan Penal Code to update penalties for assault and battery offenses, particularly focusing on the protection of health professionals and medical volunteers. It establishes that assaulting or battering an individual is a misdemeanor punishable by up to 93 days in jail or a fine of up to $500, unless the victim is a health professional or medical volunteer, in which case the penalties are significantly harsher. The bill introduces new definitions for "health professional" and "medical volunteer" and clarifies the circumstances under which enhanced penalties apply, especially for individuals with prior convictions for similar offenses. Notably, assaults on health professionals or medical volunteers while they are performing their duties can lead to felony charges, with penalties including imprisonment for up to 20 years if the assault results in death.

Additionally, the bill updates terminology related to emergency personnel, specifically changing "secret service" to "Secret Service" and "department of" to "Department of Justice." It also introduces a new category for individuals involved in search and rescue operations and redefines "serious impairment of a body function" to align with the Michigan vehicle code. The bill includes provisions for its enactment, stating it will take effect 90 days after being signed into law, contingent upon the enactment of certain other specified bills from the 103rd Legislature, thereby ensuring that these changes are part of a comprehensive legislative effort.

Statutes affected:
House Introduced Bill: 750.81