Bill > HF641

This bill expands criminal penalties for assault against healthcare workers by creating a new legal category of fourth-degree assault. Specifically, the bill adds a new subdivision to existing Minnesota law that makes it a felony to physically assault and inflict demonstrable bodily harm on physicians, nurses, and other healthcare service providers. Previously, the law only covered assault against firefighters and emergency medical personnel. Under this bill, such an assault would be punishable by up to two years in prison, a fine of up to $4,000, or both. The bill clarifies that "physical assault" means causing demonstrable bodily harm, and it explicitly includes healthcare workers providing services in various settings. The new legal provision will become effective on August 1, 2025, and will apply to crimes committed on or after that date, providing legal protection for healthcare workers who are increasingly at risk of workplace violence. By creating this specific legal category, the bill aims to deter assaults on healthcare professionals and provide a clear legal mechanism for prosecuting such attacks.

Justice

https://www.revisor.mn.gov/bills/bill.php?b=House&f=HF0641&ssn=0&y=2025