AR HB1026

Elevates aggravated assault from a Class D felony to a Class C felony when committed against law enforcement officers, firefighters, code enforcement officers, correctional facility employees, school employees, individuals 60 years or older or 12 years or younger, health care professionals, or incompetent individuals.

Elevates assault in the first degree from a Class A misdemeanor to a Class D felony when committed against the same protected categories of persons listed above.

Elevates assault in the second degree from a Class B misdemeanor to a Class A misdemeanor when committed against protected persons.

Elevates assault in the third degree from a Class C misdemeanor to a Class B misdemeanor when committed against protected persons.

Defines "code enforcement officer" to include municipal animal control officers and "employee of a correctional facility" to include persons working under professional services contracts with the Department of Correction, Department of Community Correction, or Division of Youth Services.