This bill amends various sections of the Nebraska Revised Statutes to enhance protections for frontline behavioral health providers, health care workers, and public safety officers by prohibiting assaults against them and establishing new classifications for assault offenses. Key insertions include definitions for "frontline behavioral health provider" and "public safety officer," which broaden the scope of individuals protected under these laws. The bill categorizes assaults against these groups into first, second, and third-degree offenses, each with specified criteria and felony classifications, replacing previous classifications that included emergency responders and certain employees. Additionally, it mandates that health care and behavioral health facilities display warnings about the serious consequences of assaulting these workers.

Furthermore, the bill revises the legal framework surrounding unlawful membership recruitment into criminal organizations, making it a Class IV felony to coerce individuals into joining such groups. It expands the list of offenses associated with recruitment, including violent and drug-related crimes, and modifies the habitual criminal statute to increase penalties for repeat offenders of serious felonies. The bill also repeals several sections related to the definitions and penalties for assaults on specific professionals, aiming to clarify the legal language and ensure it aligns with current societal standards for protecting individuals in critical roles. Overall, the legislation seeks to strengthen legal protections for vulnerable workers and enhance penalties for organized crime activities.

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