NC S20

Upgrades assault charges against governmental officers and employees from Class F to Class E felonies, with additional Class D felony penalties if a firearm is used.

Elevates assault with a firearm charges against law enforcement, probation, parole officers, National Guard members, and detention facility employees from Class E to Class D felonies.

Increases penalties for assaults on firefighters, emergency medical technicians, medical responders, and hospital personnel from Class I to Class H felonies for physical injury, and Class F to Class E felonies when firearms are used.

Upgrades assault charges against emergency personnel during declared states of emergency or riots from Class I to Class H felonies for physical injury, and Class F to Class E felonies when dangerous weapons are used.

Establishes Class D felony penalties for malicious secret assaults with deadly weapons against emergency workers (law enforcement, firefighters, emergency medical technicians, or medical responders) while performing official duties; effective December 1, 2019.