In the near future, I intend to introduce legislation that will increase the criminal penalty
when an individual intentionally spits or otherwise expels a bodily fluid on another
person.

Under current law, in most circumstances, when a person intentionally spits or otherwise expels a bodily fluid on another person it is considered the crime of Harassment under 18 Pa.C.S.A.   2709 and graded as only a summary offense. Many professions, including school employees and health care personnel, are consistently subjected to this type of conduct. Not only is spitting or otherwise expelling bodily fluid on another person incredibly disrespectful and demeaning, but it can also be dangerous. This is particularly true when a person spits on another person and the saliva comes into contact with their face or exposed skin. Currently, we already penalize prisoners or individuals otherwise in custody far more severely when they intentionally spit or otherwise expel a bodily fluid on another person through the crime of Aggravated Harassment by Prisoner.

My legislation will remedy this issue by making it the crime of Simple Assault to
intentionally cause another to come into contact with blood, seminal fluid, saliva, urine or feces by throwing, tossing, spitting or expelling such fluid or material. Simple Assault is graded as a misdemeanor of the second degree. This change will more appropriately
hold individuals accountable who engage in this disrespectful and dangerous behavior
and better protect our communities across the Commonwealth.

Please join me in co-sponsoring this important legislation.