NC H492

Increases criminal penalties for assault on legislative, executive, and court officers from Class I to Class H felonies, and from Class F to Class E felonies when deadly weapons or serious bodily injury are involved.

Enhances penalties for threats against executive, legislative, or court officers from Class I to Class H felonies, and clarifies that electronic communications (email, text, instant message, voice mail) are included in the offense.

Upgrades assault penalties against firefighters, emergency medical technicians, medical responders, and hospital personnel from Class I to Class H felonies, and increases penalties for assaults involving deadly weapons or serious bodily injury to Class F and Class E felonies respectively.

Creates new Class I felony offense for battery against law enforcement officers, firefighters, emergency medical technicians, or medical responders while discharging official duties, with exception for conduct resulting from verifiable medical, mental health, or behavioral health disabilities.

Increases penalties for assault on emergency personnel during declared states of emergency or riots from Class I to Class H felonies, and from Class F to Class E felonies when dangerous weapons are used; effective December 1, 2017.