Bill > SB5566

This bill increases the penalty for assaulting a law enforcement officer by modifying the existing assault in the third degree statute (RCW 9A.36.031). Specifically, the bill changes the classification of assault against a law enforcement officer from a class C felony to a class B felony, which carries more severe potential penalties. Additionally, the bill introduces a new provision that mandates a minimum 180-day total confinement sentence for anyone convicted of assaulting a law enforcement officer during a riot or unlawful assembly. The bill also updates the state's sentencing guidelines table to reflect this change, placing assault of a law enforcement officer in a different severity level. This change appears intended to provide stronger legal protection for law enforcement personnel and create a more significant deterrent against violence toward them, particularly in the context of civil unrest or public demonstrations.

Justice

https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=5566&Year=2025&Initiative=false