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Bill

A 2295

Revises definition of health care professional in aggravated assault statute to match definition under "Health Care Heroes Violence Prevention Act."

2026-2027 Regular Session Introduced by Lou Greenwald and 1 co-sponsor

New Jersey aligns aggravated assault statute's definition of healthcare professional with existing "Health Care Heroes Violence Prevention Act" for consistent legal protections.

Reported and Referred to Assembly Appropriations Committee
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Bill Summary · A 2295

Legislative bill overview

Bill A 2295 updates New Jersey's aggravated assault statute to align the definition of "health care professional" with the definition already established in the state's "Health Care Heroes Violence Prevention Act." This technical revision standardizes terminology across related statutes to ensure consistent legal protections and penalties.

Why is this important

Healthcare workers face increasing workplace violence, and uniform legal definitions prevent gaps in protection and ensure consistent application of enhanced penalties for assaulting medical personnel. Clear statutory alignment reduces confusion in enforcement and prosecution, strengthening accountability for violence against healthcare staff.

Potential points of contention

  • Scope of coverage: Disagreement over which workers qualify as "health care professionals" (e.g., whether administrative staff, janitorial workers, or mental health counselors are included)
  • Penalty implications: Law enforcement and prosecutors may debate whether enhanced penalties under aggravated assault are proportionate or create prosecutorial inconsistencies
  • Implementation concerns: Questions about training requirements for police and prosecutors to correctly identify covered professionals and apply the revised definition in real-world situations

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

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