Fourth-degree assault crime expansion provision

This bill expands Minnesota's assault laws to protect firefighters, emergency medical personnel, and hospital emergency department staff from physical attacks. Under the new provisions, physically assaulting these workers while they are performing their duties would be classified as a gross misdemeanor, while assaults causing demonstrable bodily harm would be elevated to a felony punishable by up to three years in prison or a fine of $6,000. The changes apply to municipal and volunteer firefighters, emergency medical services personnel, and physicians, nurses, or other healthcare workers working in hospital emergency departments. The legislation takes effect on August 1, 2026, and applies only to crimes committed on or after that date.