MS SB2865

Expands enhanced penalty provisions for simple assault and aggravated assault to include health care providers, employees of health care providers, and employees of health care facilities when assaulted while acting within the scope of their duty.

Simple assault on these protected persons increases penalty from a maximum $500 fine or 6 months jail to a maximum $1,000 fine or 5 years imprisonment.

Aggravated assault on these protected persons increases penalty from a maximum 20 years to a maximum $5,000 fine or 30 years imprisonment.

Makes technical updates to assault statute language including gender-neutral pronouns and clarifying custody of offenders shall be with the Department of Corrections rather than the Penitentiary.

Effective date: July 1, 2019.