Bill > H2249

This bill proposes to create new criminal offenses specifically for assaulting or committing assault and battery against an employee of the Department of Children and Families (DCF), which is the state agency responsible for child protection services. The bill clarifies that these new crimes would apply when the assault occurs outside of the social worker's regular duties and when the social worker has direct responsibility or jurisdiction over the assailant's case within the DCF system. If convicted of these new offenses, the assailant could face imprisonment in a house of correction for a minimum of 180 days up to 5 years, or a fine ranging from $1,000 to $10,000, or both penalties. This legislation aims to provide enhanced legal protection for DCF social workers who often deal with challenging and potentially volatile situations in their work.