MO HB652

Repeals and replaces existing assault statutes (565.081, 565.082, and 565.083) to expand protections to include health care workers employed by covered health care facilities.

Defines "health care worker" as a professional licensed under chapters 334 and 335 employed by a hospital, facility, residential facility, or other state-licensed health care entity.

Establishes three degrees of assault charges: first degree (attempting to kill or causing serious physical injury) as a class A felony; second degree (various forms of injury or reckless conduct) as class B or C felony; third degree (reckless injury or unwanted contact) as a class A misdemeanor.

Requires mandatory jail time for violations of assault in the second degree involving deadly weapons, serious injury, or intoxicated operation of a motor vehicle or vessel.

Applies existing definitions and penalty provisions for emergency personnel, corrections officers, highway workers, and probation and parole officers to the new health care worker protections.