Bill
HF 4793
HF 4793 expands fourth-degree assault to cover more conduct and victims, broadening charges, penalties, and protections under Minnesota law.
HF 4793 (Minnesota, 2025-2026 Session) — Fourth-degree assault crime expanded
Overview
- Purpose: To broaden the scope of offenses classified as fourth-degree assault under Minnesota law. The bill aims to expand protections against assaults that may not have previously fallen under existing fourth-degree definitions, addressing broader conduct and potentially increasing penalties or sanctions for additional conduct.
Key provisions and changes (as described by the bill})
- Expansion of fourth-degree assault: The bill expands the circumstances under which an assault is charged as fourth-degree. This typically involves redefining elements such as the type of force, the target (e.g., protected classes, vulnerable individuals, or specific environments), and the resulting injury threshold. The exact statutory language is not provided here, but the objective is to widen the category of offenses considered fourth-degree assault.
- Targeted conduct and situations: Provisions may include offenses against certain individuals (e.g., law enforcement, public officials, or vulnerable persons), or assaults occurring in specific settings (e.g., schools, healthcare facilities, or transportation hubs). It may also broaden what constitutes bodily harm or create new aggravating circumstances.
- Relationship to other assault levels: The change would be designed to clarify where these offenses fit within Minnesota’s assault hierarchy (first through fifth degrees) and how they interact with related offenses (e.g., second- or third-degree assault). The bill could adjust charging options, sentencing ranges, or required intent elements accordingly.
Who is affected
- Individuals accused of qualifying Fourth-Degree Assaults: The primary impact is on defendants charged under Minnesota’s fourth-degree assault statute. Expanding the category could lead to more cases being prosecuted as fourth-degree assault.
- Victims: Potentially broader protection for victims who fall under the newly included categories or in scenarios covered by the expansion.
- Law enforcement and prosecutorial processes: Police and prosecutors may face updated charging decisions, case classifications, and potential changes in evidence standards or penalties.
Procedural and timeline aspects
- Introduction and referral: On April 7, 2026, HF 4793 was introduced and referred to the Public Safety Finance and Policy committee for consideration.
- Sponsorship: Co-sponsored by Natalie Zeleznikar and Roger Skraba, indicating bipartisan or cross-chamber support dynamics typical in Minnesota legislation.
Notes and considerations
- Specific statutory language: The summary above is based on the bill’s title and described intent. The exact elements (e.g., required mens rea, victim categories, injury thresholds, and sentencing ranges) would be defined in the bill’s text. Readers should review the bill as amended for precise provisions.
- Policy implications: Expanding fourth-degree assault can affect crime statistics, sentencing guidelines, and public safety strategies. It may also prompt discussions about proportionality of penalties and protections for different populations.
Recommendation for readers
- To fully understand the impact, consult the bill’s full text and any fiscal notes or committee discussions once available. Pay attention to defined terms (e.g., “assault,” “bodily harm,” “protected class”) and any effective dates or transitional provisions.
Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.
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