Bill > H1179

This bill amends existing law, specifically Section 13D of Chapter 265 of the General Laws, to increase penalties for assault and battery against public employees. It changes the potential punishment for such offenses from a mandatory minimum of 90 days in a house of correction to a maximum of two and a half years in a jail or house of correction, or up to ten years in a state prison. Additionally, the bill introduces a new provision that specifically addresses assaults or assault and batteries committed using a "bodily substance," defined as any human secretion, discharge, or emission like blood, saliva, or urine, when a public employee is performing their duties. For these specific acts involving bodily substances, the penalty is also a maximum of two and a half years in a jail or house of correction, or up to ten years in a state prison, with the possibility of a fine between $500 and $5,000, or both. This aims to provide stronger legal recourse and deterrence against violence targeting those working in public service.