HB 6204 Summary

• Creates new felony offense for assaulting a first responder (firefighter, law enforcement officer, emergency medical technician, or paramedic) during a riot or civil disturbance, punishable by up to 5 years imprisonment or $5,000 fine.

• Expands the offense to include knowingly causing bodily injury or physical contact a reasonable person would regard as offensive or provocative, including spitting or transferring bodily fluids, pathogens, or human waste onto a first responder.

• Increases penalties to up to 20 years imprisonment or $20,000 fine when the assault results in serious bodily injury, death of the first responder, use or display of a deadly weapon, or strangulation or attempted strangulation.

• Defines "first responder," "law enforcement officer," "firefighter," "emergency medical technician," and "paramedic" by reference to existing Michigan statutes.

• Takes effect 90 days after enactment.