NC S520

Increases penalties for assault with a firearm on law enforcement officers, probation officers, parole officers, North Carolina National Guard members, and detention facility employees from Class E to Class D felonies.

Elevates penalties for assault or affray on firefighters, emergency medical technicians, medical responders, and hospital personnel: Class H to Class G felony for serious bodily injury or use of deadly weapon other than firearm; Class F to Class E felony when firearm is used.

Increases penalties for assault causing physical injury on law enforcement, probation, parole officers, detention facility employees, and National Guard members from Class I to Class H felony.

Raises penalties for assault on emergency personnel (law enforcement, firefighters, ambulance attendants, utility workers, doctors, nurses) during declared emergencies or riots from Class I to Class H felony; assault with dangerous weapon upgraded from Class F to Class E felony.

Creates new Class D felony for malicious secret assault with deadly weapon against emergency workers (law enforcement, firefighters, EMTs, medical responders) while performing official duties; effective December 1, 2017.