MS HB1153

Reorganizes Mississippi's assault statute by moving the list of protected persons who trigger enhanced penalties into a new subsection (9), replacing repetitive language in the simple and aggravated assault sections

Adds "Division of Youth Services personnel" to the list of protected persons whose assault triggers enhanced penalties, while removing "training school juvenile care worker" from the previous language

Maintains enhanced penalty of up to $1,000 fine and/or 5 years imprisonment for simple assault against listed protected persons

Maintains enhanced penalty of up to $5,000 fine and/or 30 years imprisonment for aggravated assault against listed protected persons

Protected categories continue to include: elected officials, law enforcement, firefighters, emergency medical personnel, judges, prosecutors, public defenders, school personnel, jail officers, social workers, legislators (during session), and persons 65 or older or vulnerable adults