HB0801 Summary

• Amends Illinois Criminal Code Section 12-3.05 to add nurses performing official duties as a protected class under aggravated battery statutes.

• Aggravated battery against a nurse while performing duties is subject to the same penalties as other protected professionals, classified as a felony offense.

• Defines "strangle" as intentionally impeding normal breathing or blood circulation by applying pressure to the throat or neck, or blocking the nose or mouth.

• Maintains existing aggravated battery offense categories including those based on injury type, victim status, use of weapons or firearms, and specific conduct such as drug delivery or administering substances without consent.

• Establishes sentencing ranges from Class 3 felony up to Class X felony with mandatory minimum sentences of 6 to 60 years depending on offense severity and circumstances.