Senate Bill 17 aims to amend existing statutes regarding special circumstances battery by including community service officers (CSOs) among those protected under the law. Currently, individuals who intentionally cause or threaten bodily harm to judges, prosecutors, or law enforcement officers in response to their official actions face a Class H felony charge. This bill expands the definition of special circumstances battery to include community service officers, thereby imposing the same Class H felony penalties for similar offenses against them.

The specific legal language changes include the insertion of "or community service officer" in multiple sections of the statute, replacing the previous exclusive mention of law enforcement officers. This amendment reflects a recognition of the role of community service officers and aims to enhance their protection while performing their duties. The bill may also prompt a review by the Joint Review Committee on Criminal Penalties due to the creation of a new crime and the revision of penalties.