This bill amends various sections of the Nebraska Revised Statutes to enhance protections for pharmacists and health care professionals by prohibiting assaults against them. It introduces new definitions and classifications for assault offenses specifically targeting public safety officers, health care professionals, and pharmacists, while replacing previous language that included emergency responders and state correctional employees. The bill establishes penalties for first, second, and third-degree assaults on these individuals, with enhanced penalties if the victim is pregnant. Additionally, it mandates that hospitals and health clinics display warnings about the legal consequences of assaulting health care professionals or pharmacists during their official duties, including specific provisions for assaults involving bodily fluids that may lead to felony charges.

Furthermore, the bill requires pharmacies to display prominent warning signs regarding the serious consequences of assaulting pharmacists, including the potential for felony charges for assaults involving bodily fluids. It also amends existing laws related to unlawful membership recruitment and the definition of assault against the newly defined categories of individuals, broadening the scope of protection. The bill repeals outdated sections related to previous definitions and classifications of assault, ensuring that the law remains current and relevant. Overall, the legislation aims to modernize the legal framework surrounding these offenses while enhancing protections for specific professionals.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 28-101, 28-115, 28-929.01, 28-929, 28-930, 28-931, 28-934, 28-929.02, 28-1351, 28-1354, 29-2221, 84-941.01