The bill amends Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 609.2231, subdivision 1, to enhance the penalties for assaulting a peace officer. It reclassifies the offense from a gross misdemeanor to a felony for anyone who physically assaults a peace officer, with potential penalties of up to two years of imprisonment or a fine of up to $4,000, or both. Additionally, the bill maintains the existing felony penalties for more severe acts against peace officers, such as inflicting demonstrable bodily harm or intentionally throwing bodily fluids, which carry a maximum sentence of three years in prison or a fine of up to $6,000.

The bill also includes an effective date, stating that the new provisions will take effect on August 1, 2025, and will apply to crimes committed on or after that date. This legislative change aims to strengthen protections for law enforcement officers and deter assaults against them.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 609.2231