WV HB3065

Expands the definition of "law enforcement officer" to include any animal trained for use by a law enforcement officer in the course of their duties, such as police dogs

Upgrades battery against government representatives, health care workers, utility workers, emergency service personnel, correctional employees, or law enforcement officers from a misdemeanor to a felony on first offense

Upgrades assault (attempting violent injury or causing reasonable apprehension of violent injury) against these protected classes from a misdemeanor to a felony

First-offense battery carries penalties of up to $500 fine and/or 1-12 months in jail; second offense carries up to $1,000 fine and/or 1-3 years imprisonment; third offense carries up to $2,000 fine and/or 2-5 years imprisonment

Malicious assault with intent to maim, disfigure, disable, or kill these protected individuals remains punishable by 3-15 years in a correctional facility