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Last Action

Ref to the Com on Judiciary 2, if favorable, Emergency Management and Disaster Recovery, if favorable, Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House2025-02-06

Vote Breakdown

No floor votes recorded.

Plain Language Summary

This bill increases the punishment for assaulting first responders with a firearm from a Class D felony to a Class B1 felony. It expands the definition of protected first responders to include emergency medical technicians, emergency health care providers, medical responders, firefighters, and telecommunicators, in addition to law enforcement, probation, parole officers, National Guard members, and detention facility employees.

Arguments in Favor

• •Supporters argue this bill protects essential workers who face dangers while serving the public.
• •By increasing penalties for armed assaults against first responders, the law aims to deter violent attacks and provide stronger legal consequences for those who commit such crimes.
• •Advocates contend that emergency personnel deserve enhanced protection because their safety is critical to public welfare.

Arguments Against

• •Opponents may be concerned about the significant jump in sentencing severity from Class D to Class B1 felony, which could raise questions about proportionality in criminal penalties.
• •Some may argue that the expanded list of covered workers, while well-intentioned, could create inconsistencies in how assault charges are treated across different professions.
• •Others might question whether increased penalties alone effectively deter violence without accompanying prevention measures.