MS SB2162

Reorganizes and consolidates Mississippi's assault statute by creating a single definition of "person having protected status" rather than repeating lengthy lists of protected occupations throughout the law

Adds youth court personnel to the list of protected categories, including youth court counselors, secretaries, volunteer coordinators, drug court personnel, guardians ad litem, volunteers, special referees, and holding facility personnel

Maintains enhanced penalties for assault on protected persons: up to $1,000 fine and/or 5 years imprisonment for simple assault; up to $5,000 fine and/or 30 years imprisonment for aggravated assault

Protected status continues to apply to statewide elected officials, law enforcement, firefighters, emergency medical personnel, educators, judges, prosecutors, public defenders, persons 65 or older, and vulnerable adults

Effective date of July 1, 2013