Bill > HB1227

This bill makes several important modifications to Colorado's assault laws. First, it expands the definition of "emergency medical care provider" to include any staff member performing any function related to medical care, not just emergency care. The bill also changes the mental state required for assault of an emergency medical care provider from "intentionally causes bodily injury" to "knowingly causes bodily injury" when preventing them from performing a lawful duty. Importantly, the bill clarifies that second-degree assault by strangulation can be charged as a crime of violence if a deadly weapon is used, with a body part potentially qualifying as a deadly weapon. To charge assault under this provision, prosecutors must specifically allege and prove beyond a reasonable doubt that a deadly weapon was used during the assault. The bill will take effect after the 90-day legislative period, with a potential referendum, and will apply to offenses committed on or after September 1, 2025, or after its approval by voters in the November 2026 election.

Justice

https://leg.colorado.gov/bills/hb25-1227