SB207 Summary

• Adds Section 13A-6-22.2 to Alabama Code to establish enhanced criminal penalties for assault against protected professionals including law enforcement officers, firefighters, paramedics, and emergency medical technicians.

• Elevates assault in the first degree to a Class A felony (from Class B) when the victim is a protected professional engaged in duties or when the offense is committed because of the victim's professional status.

• Elevates assault in the second degree to a Class B felony (from Class C) when the victim is a protected professional engaged in duties or when the offense is committed because of the victim's professional status.

• Defines protected professionals to include officers with arrest power, sheriffs, constables, reserve officers, correctional officers, certified firefighters (including volunteers), licensed emergency medical technicians, and licensed paramedics.

• Becomes effective on the first day of the third month following passage and approval by the Governor; bill is also known as the "Law Enforcement Protection Act of 2017" and the "Justin David Sollohub Law."