Bill > H1578

This bill amends Section 13D of Chapter 265 of the General Laws to increase the penalties for assault and battery against public employees. Specifically, it changes the punishment for anyone who commits an assault and battery upon a public employee while that employee is performing their job duties. Previously, the law allowed for imprisonment in a house of correction for up to two and a half years or imprisonment in state prison for up to five years, or a fine. This bill maintains those imprisonment options but increases the minimum fine from an unspecified amount to not less than one thousand dollars and the maximum fine from an unspecified amount to ten thousand dollars, thereby strengthening the financial penalties for such offenses.