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SSB 1058

A bill for an act relating to assaults, including assaults on persons engaged in certain occupations and inmate assaults on department of corrections employees, and providing penalties.

2025-2026 Regular Session

SF 397 increases penalties for assaults on law enforcement, healthcare, and corrections workers, classifying serious offenses as felonies to enhance their protection.

Committee report approving bill, renumbered as SF 397.
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Bill Summary · SSB 1058

Summary of SSB 1058 (Renumbered as SF 397)

Purpose and Intent

SSB 1058, now known as SF 397, is a legislative proposal aimed at enhancing penalties for assaults against individuals in specific occupations, particularly those involved in law enforcement, corrections, and healthcare. The bill seeks to provide greater protection for these professionals by increasing the severity of penalties for assaults committed against them, thereby addressing the rising concerns about violence in these fields.

Key Provisions

The bill introduces several significant changes to existing laws regarding assaults:

  1. Increased Penalties:

    • Assaults against individuals in designated occupations will now be classified as a Class "C" felony if:
      • The assailant knows the victim's occupation and intends to inflict serious injury.
      • A dangerous weapon is used or displayed during the assault.
    • If the assault results in bodily injury or mental illness, it will be classified as a Class "D" felony.

  2. Aggravated Misdemeanor:

    • Any assault that involves causing another person to come into contact with bodily fluids (e.g., saliva) through actions like spitting will be classified as an aggravated misdemeanor.

  3. Minimum Sentencing:

    • Individuals convicted of assaulting a person in one of the specified occupations must serve a minimum of seven days of their sentence without eligibility for suspension.

  4. Assaults by Inmates:

    • The bill specifically addresses assaults committed by inmates against Department of Corrections employees, particularly those resulting in contact with bodily fluids or intended to cause pain.

Affected Parties

The bill primarily affects:
- Law Enforcement Personnel: Including peace officers, jailers, and correctional staff.
- Healthcare Providers: Employees of health and human services.
- Department of Corrections Employees: Those working in jails and correctional facilities.
- National Guard Members: Engaged in active duty.
- Civilian Employees: Associated with law enforcement and fire departments.

Procedural Aspects

  • Introduced: January 28, 2025
  • Committee Actions:
    • The bill was referred to the Judiciary Committee upon introduction.
    • A subcommittee recommended amendments and passage on February 12, 2025.
    • The committee approved the bill on February 19, 2025, leading to its renumbering as SF 397.

Conclusion

SSB 1058 (SF 397) represents a legislative effort to enhance the safety and security of individuals in critical public service roles by imposing stricter penalties for assaults against them. By increasing the classification of these offenses and establishing minimum sentencing requirements, the bill aims to deter violence and protect those who serve in high-risk occupations.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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