Bill > SB170

This bill amends Oregon Revised Statute (ORS) 163.160 to expand the circumstances under which assault in the fourth degree can be classified as a Class C felony. Specifically, the bill adds a new provision that elevates the offense to a felony if the assault is committed against a victim performing official duties as part of their employment, and the perpetrator has two or more previous convictions for assault or related crimes, with at least two of those previous assaults also being committed against victims performing official duties. This means that individuals who repeatedly assault workers (such as first responders, healthcare workers, or other professionals) while they are on the job could face more serious criminal charges. The existing law already allows for felony classification of assault in the fourth degree under certain circumstances, such as assaults committed in front of children or against pregnant victims, and this bill adds workplace-related assaults to that list of aggravating factors. The bill aims to provide additional legal protection for workers who may be at higher risk of workplace violence.

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https://olis.oregonlegislature.gov/liz/2025R1/Measures/Overview/SB170