State SealARIZONA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

 

HB 2503: assault; health care practitioner; classification

PRIME SPONSOR: Representative Shah, LD 24

BILL STATUS: Judiciary

 

 

Overview

Increases from a class six to a class five felony the offense of aggravated assault against certain healthcare practitioners in the course of employment.

History

An assault may become an aggravated assault if committed against the following individuals in the course of their employment:

1.       Peace officers;

2.       Constables;

3.       Fire personnel;

4.       School personnel;

5.       Healthcare practitioners;

6.       Prosecutors;

7.       Code enforcement officers;

8.       Park rangers;

9.       Public defenders; and

10.   Judicial officers (A.R.S. § 13-1204(A)(8)).

Aggravated assaults against these individuals are generally punished as class six felonies, though aggravated assaults against peace officers and prosecutors range from class six to class two felonies, depending upon the circumstances (A.R.S. § 13-1204(F),(G)).

A class six felony is punishable by a presumptive term of two and a half years in prison. A class five felony is punishable by a presumptive term of three years in prison (A.R.S. § 13-704).

Provisions

1.       Increases from a class six to a class five felony the offense of aggravated assault against a doctor, surgeon, nurse, osteopathic physician or surgeon, or physician assistant engaged in professional duties, unless the assailant is seriously mentally ill or afflicted with Alzheimer's disease or dementia.

2.       Makes a conforming change.

 

 

 

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Fifty-fourth Legislature                               HB 2503

First Regular Session                    Version 1: Judiciary

 

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