HB 2478 Summary

• Amends Arizona Revised Statutes section 13-1204 to add law enforcement agency employees (other than peace officers) as a protected class under aggravated assault statutes.

• Establishes that assaulting a law enforcement agency employee while engaged in official duties constitutes aggravated assault under subsection A, paragraph 8(k).

• Increases criminal penalties for aggravated assault committed against law enforcement agency employees to match those for peace officers: class 2 felony for serious physical injury or deadly weapon use, class 3 felony for substantial disfigurement or injury, and class 4-5 felony depending on circumstances.

• Approved by Governor on May 19, 2023 and filed with the Secretary of State on May 22, 2023.