Bill > HB1236

This bill amends several Pennsylvania statutes to expand protections for law enforcement officers and hospital security officers by modifying assault-related offenses. Specifically, the bill adds hospital security officers to existing legal provisions that previously only applied to law enforcement officers, thereby creating enhanced criminal penalties for assaults against these specific types of personnel. The bill establishes graduated felony charges for different types of assault, including discharging a firearm at a law enforcement or hospital security officer (first-degree felony), intentionally causing contact with bodily fluids (third-degree felony), and intentionally causing contact with bodily fluids from an individual with a communicable disease (second-degree felony). The bill also updates definitions, clarifying that a hospital security officer is an employee charged with maintaining safety and security of hospital property and individuals. Additionally, the bill modifies sentencing guidelines to include mandatory imprisonment of not less than 20 years for serious assaults against law enforcement or hospital security officers. These changes aim to provide stronger legal protections and more significant consequences for individuals who assault these essential workers while they are performing their duties.

Justice

https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/bill_history.cfm?syear=2025&sind=0&body=H&type=B&bn=1236