HF2876

Purpose of the Bill

This legislative bill aims to improve the safety and protection of individuals working in healthcare and emergency services. By expanding the scope of criminal offenses, it seeks to address acts of violence and inappropriate conduct towards these workers.

Main Provisions

• Establishing New Offense: The bill introduces a crime for the intentional act of transferring bodily fluids or feces onto certain individuals, specifically those providing healthcare services in hospital emergency departments.
• Expanding Fourth-Degree Assault: The bill extends the existing crime of fourth-degree assault to include more professionals. Previously applicable to firefighters and emergency medical personnel, it now includes physicians, nurses, and other healthcare providers.
• Penalties: If convicted under this statute, individuals may face a felony charge with penalties including up to two years of imprisonment, a fine of up to $4,000, or both.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

• Broadening the Definition: This bill modifies Minnesota Statutes 2024 section 609.2231 subdivision 2 by broadening the offence classification to include the act of throwing or transferring bodily fluids or feces specifically in healthcare settings.
• Inclusive Protection: It expands the protection under fourth-degree assault from just fire and emergency medical personnel to all providers of health care services, thereby strengthening their safety against targeted acts of aggression.

Relevant Terms

transferring bodily fluids, fourth-degree assault, health care services, emergency medical personnel, felony, bodily harm, Minnesota statutes section 609.2231