NJ S3493

Upgrades simple assault to aggravated assault when committed against healthcare support staff (non-direct patient care workers) and security guards at licensed health care facilities, psychiatric hospitals, developmental centers, and veterans' memorial homes while they are clearly identifiable as performing their duties.

Excludes patients or residents at State or county psychiatric hospitals, State developmental centers, or veterans' memorial homes who are classified as having a mental illness or developmental disability from the upgraded penalties.

Aggravated assault under this bill is a third-degree crime if bodily injury occurs, punishable by 3-5 years imprisonment and/or fines up to $15,000; otherwise it is a fourth-degree crime punishable by up to 18 months imprisonment and/or fines up to $10,000.

Amends N.J.S.2C:12-1 to add healthcare support staff and security guards to the existing list of protected workers, which already includes direct care workers at these facilities.