MS HB172

Amends Section 97-3-7, Mississippi Code of 1972 to revise the list of protected personnel subject to enhanced assault penalties under simple and aggravated assault statutes.

Adds "utility worker" to the list of persons whose assault triggers enhanced penalties when acting within the scope of duty, with simple assault punishable by up to $1,000 fine or 5 years imprisonment and aggravated assault punishable by up to $5,000 fine or 30 years imprisonment.

Changes reference from "youth detention center personnel; training school juvenile care worker" to "Division of Youth Services personnel" as protected class.

Requires assault to occur "when acting within the scope of his duty, office or employment" for most protected personnel categories, including the newly added utility worker designation.

Effective July 1, 2015.