Bill > SB1038

This bill amends Arizona's aggravated assault statute to expand the list of protected professionals and modify penalties for assaults against various public employees. The bill adds several new categories of workers who are now specifically protected under aggravated assault provisions, including law enforcement agency employees, public transit employees, airport employees, railway workers, animal control officers, and elected officials. It also introduces new language about mental disabilities, developmental disabilities, and cognitive disabilities that could impact how assault cases are interpreted. The bill creates enhanced sentencing provisions for assaults against peace officers, with an additional two-year sentence if certain conditions are met. The bill maintains different classification levels for aggravated assault depending on the specific circumstances, with most offenses ranging from class 2 to class 6 felonies. Notably, the bill appears to have two different versions of the law, one effective until January 1, 2033, and another beginning after December 31, 2032, with slightly different provisions. The changes aim to provide broader protections for public service workers and establish more stringent penalties for assaults against them, particularly those in law enforcement and other critical public-facing roles.

Justice

https://apps.azleg.gov/BillStatus/BillOverview/81657