Bill > H2060

This bill amends Massachusetts law to expand protections and increase penalties for assault and battery against specific groups of professionals and in certain circumstances. The bill modifies existing law to create enhanced criminal penalties for assaulting individuals in specific professional roles or under particular conditions, including healthcare workers (specifically registered and practical nurses), school personnel (teachers, librarians, counselors, nurses, social workers, and psychologists), school athletic event officials, and those with active protective orders against the assailant. The bill also criminalizes assault against pregnant individuals and those who cause serious bodily injury. Specifically, individuals who commit assault or assault and battery under these defined circumstances can be punished by up to 5 years in state prison, up to 2.5 years in the house of correction, a fine up to $5,000, or a combination of fine and imprisonment. The bill aims to provide additional legal protection for professionals who are vulnerable to workplace violence and to deter such attacks by establishing more significant legal consequences for offenders.

Justice

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H2060