Bill > HF2876

This bill expands legal protections for healthcare workers and emergency personnel by modifying existing assault laws in Minnesota. Specifically, the bill broadens the definition of fourth-degree assault to include intentional acts against physicians, nurses, and other healthcare service providers, and creates a new specific criminal offense for deliberately throwing or transferring bodily fluids or feces onto these professionals. Under the revised law, such actions would be considered a felony, potentially punishable by up to two years in prison, a fine of up to $4,000, or both. The bill extends criminal liability beyond previous restrictions that only covered assault in hospital emergency departments, now protecting all healthcare workers performing their duties. The new provisions will take effect on August 1, 2025, and will apply to crimes committed on or after that date, providing enhanced legal safeguards for medical and emergency response personnel who often work in challenging and potentially dangerous environments.

Justice

https://www.revisor.mn.gov/bills/bill.php?b=House&f=HF2876&ssn=0&y=2025