Bill would impose prison terms for serious assaults on responders at disturbances

A person who commits the specified assault would face a first-degree crime and a required prison term. This covers aggravated assault against a law enforcement officer, firefighter, emergency first-aid or medical services provider, or correctional or sheriff’s personnel. The assault must occur during and at the scene of a defined civil disturbance and cause serious bodily injury. The required prison term is at least 10 years, with 10 years before parole eligibility. The bill would take effect immediately if enacted.

A court would no longer begin with a presumption that the accused should be released before trial. This applies to a person charged with the specified aggravated assault against a law enforcement officer, firefighter, emergency first-aid or medical services provider, or correctional or sheriff’s personnel. This removes the presumption favoring release; it does not require detention in every case. The bill would take effect immediately if enacted.