Bill > S3620

Introduced Session

This bill upgrades the crime of simple assault to aggravated assault if the assault is committed against a security officer. Specifically under the bill, a person is guilty of aggravated assault for committing simple assault against a security officer registered pursuant to the provisions of the "Security Officer Registration Act" while the officer is clearly identifiable as being engaged in the performance of the duties of a security officer or because of his or her status as a security officer. Aggravated assault under the bill is a crime of the third degree if the victim suffers bodily injury; otherwise it is a crime of the fourth degree. Third degree crimes are punishable by a term of imprisonment of three-to-five years, a fine of up to $15,000, or both. Fourth degree crimes are punishable by imprisonment of up to 18 months, a fine of up to $10,000, or both. Current law similarly upgrades simple assault to aggravated assault if committed against the following persons while engaged in the performance of the position or due to the status of the position: law enforcement officers, firefighters, EMS personnel, school employees, employees of the Division of Child Protection and Permanency, judges, bus drivers, employees of a rail passenger service, corrections officers, utility company employees, licensed health care workers, and direct care workers in psychiatric hospitals.

Committee Categories

Holly Schepisi (R)*, 

Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Law and Public Safety Committee (on 04/19/2021)