CO SB278

Amends Colorado law to make second-degree assault against a firefighter or peace officer while engaged in their duties a Class 3 felony (increased from Class 4)

Applies only when the person committing the assault knew or reasonably should have known the victim was a firefighter or peace officer

Defines "peace officer" to include officers from 20 specified categories under Colorado Revised Statutes sections 16-2.5-103 through 16-2.5-151

Effective July 1, 2018, and applies to offenses committed on or after that date

May require five-year appropriation to cover increased capital construction, operational costs, and parole costs for the Department of Corrections