The bill amends section 81d of the Michigan penal code to enhance penalties for individuals who assault or endanger certain public service personnel while they are performing their duties. The amendments specify that an individual who commits such acts can face varying degrees of felony charges depending on the severity of the offense, with penalties ranging from imprisonment for up to 6 years and fines of up to $2,000 for general assaults, to imprisonment for up to 20 years and fines of up to $20,000 for causing death. The bill also clarifies the definition of "person" to include various law enforcement and emergency personnel, such as police officers, firefighters, and emergency medical service personnel.

Additionally, the bill updates the language used in the law by replacing gender-specific pronouns with gender-neutral terms, changing "his or her" to "the person's." It also modifies the title of the Department of Environmental Quality to the Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy, and includes the United States Postal Service letter carriers among those protected under this section. The amendments aim to provide clearer definitions and stronger protections for individuals serving in critical public safety roles. The act will take effect 90 days after being enacted into law.

Statutes affected:
House Introduced Bill: 750.81