Relating to assault and battery on emergency service personnel, law-enforcement officers, and correctional employees

This bill increases penalties for assaulting specific public safety workers in West Virginia. It makes intentionally harming law enforcement officers, correctional employees, or emergency medical personnel (like EMTs and firefighters) a felony with prison terms of 2-15 years, depending on the severity and intent. For lesser offenses like unwanted physical contact, it establishes misdemeanor penalties (up to 6 months jail or $200 fines) that escalate to felony charges for repeat offenses. The law applies when the attacker knows the victim is acting in their official role, covering both intentional harm and threats causing reasonable fear of violence. It directly affects these workers by strengthening legal protections against violence during their duties.