The bill amends section 12.1-17-01 of the North Dakota Century Code, which pertains to simple assault. It specifies that a person is guilty of simple assault if they willfully or negligently cause bodily injury to another individual, particularly when using a firearm, destructive device, or other weapon that could likely result in death or serious bodily injury.

A significant change in the bill is the insertion of language that classifies the offense as a class C felony if the victim is a peace officer, correctional institution employee, state hospital employee (when the actor is committed or detained), a person involved in a judicial proceeding, or a member of emergency services engaged in essential patient care. This addition broadens the scope of protected individuals under the law, while the offense remains a class B misdemeanor in other circumstances.

Statutes affected:
INTRODUCED: 12.1-17-01
Adopted by the Senate Judiciary Committee: 12.1-17-01
Enrollment: 12.1-17-01