SB 1038 Summary

• Amends Arizona's aggravated assault statute to add protection for law enforcement agency employees (non-peace officers), public transit employees, airport employees, railway workers, animal control officers, and elected officials performing official duties.

• Establishes enhanced felony classifications for aggravated assault committed against employees of law enforcement agencies: class 2 felony for serious physical injury or deadly weapon use, class 3 felony for substantial disfigurement, and class 4-5 felonies for other circumstances.

• Adds "developmental disability or cognitive disability" to the mental health exceptions for assault against health care workers.

• Creates two versions of the statute with different effective dates: one version applies until January 1, 2033, and a second version applies beginning January 1, 2033, reflecting changes to first responder definitions and officer classifications.

• Repeals conflicting provisions from Laws 2024, chapter 113, section 1 and chapter 257, section 2 to resolve statutory inconsistencies.