MI HB5579

Expands the definition of "person" under MCL 750.81d to include emergency room personnel (physicians, nurses, intake clerks, and other hospital employees in emergency departments, operating rooms, and trauma centers).

Maintains four tiered penalties for assaulting individuals performing job-related duties: up to 2 years imprisonment or $2,000 fine for basic assault; up to 4 years or $5,000 fine if causing bodily injury requiring medical attention; up to 15 years or $10,000 fine if causing serious impairment of body function; up to 20 years or $20,000 fine if causing death.

Allows sentences to run consecutively with other sentences arising from the same transaction and permits charging individuals with additional violations committed during the assault.

Defines "obstruct" to include threatened or actual use of physical force or knowing failure to comply with lawful commands.

Applies protection to law enforcement, college/university police, conservation officers, federal peace officers, firefighters, emergency medical service personnel, and individuals conducting search and rescue operations.