Criminal penalty increase for assaulting a firefighter, EMS personnel or certain health providers

This bill increases criminal penalties for assaulting firefighters, emergency medical services (EMS) personnel, or health providers in hospital emergency departments who suffer demonstrable bodily harm. Currently, assaulting firefighters or EMS with bodily harm is a gross misdemeanor (up to 2 years or $4,000 fine), but the bill elevates this to a felony (up to 3 years or $6,000 fine). It also expands protections to include physicians, nurses, and other health care providers working in hospital emergency departments. The law takes effect August 1, 2025, applying to assaults committed on or after that date.