Bill > H1164

This bill, by amending Section 13I of Chapter 265 of the General Laws, strengthens the penalties for assaulting or committing assault and battery against emergency medical technicians, ambulance operators, ambulance attendants, or healthcare providers. Specifically, it removes the phrase "treating or transporting a person" from the description of the offense and increases the potential punishment from a jail or house of correction sentence of not less than 90 days nor more than 2.5 years, or a fine of $500 to $5,000, or both, to a maximum of five years in state prison, or imprisonment in a jail or house of correction for not more than 2.5 years. This change aims to provide more severe consequences for those who harm these essential workers while they are performing their duties.