Upgrades simple assault to aggravated assault if committed against crossing guard or parking enforcement officer.

This bill (S 1168) upgrades simple assault to aggravated assault when committed against crossing guards or parking enforcement officers while they are performing their official duties. It directly affects these workers by making attacks against them a more serious criminal charge with harsher penalties. The key provision adds crossing guards and parking enforcement officers to the list of protected individuals in New Jersey's assault law (N.J.S.2C:12-1), meaning any simple assault against them automatically becomes aggravated assault. This change applies only when the victim is clearly identifiable as a crossing guard or parking officer on duty. The bill is currently pending in the Senate Law and Public Safety Committee.