Assaulting a police officer penalty enhanced.

HF 766 amends Minnesota Statutes section 609.2231 to increase penalties for assaulting police officers during lawful duties. It elevates simple physical assaults on peace officers to a gross misdemeanor felony (with up to 2 years in jail or $4,000 fine), and makes assaults causing bodily harm or involving bodily fluids/feces a felony (up to 3 years or $6,000 fine). The bill directly affects individuals who physically assault officers while they are performing official duties, as defined under Minnesota law. It becomes effective August 1, 2025, applying to offenses committed on or after that date. The change specifically modifies existing penalty levels without altering the definition of assault.