House Co-Sponsorship Memoranda

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House of Representatives
Session of 2017 - 2018 Regular Session

MEMORANDUM

Posted:	February 28, 2017 02:12 PM
From:	Representative John Taylor
To:	All House members
Subject:	Aggravated Assault of Local Code Enforcement Officials

In the near future, I plan to introduce legislation to protect local code enforcement officials from assault. This legislation will add local code enforcement officers to a protected class in the event of assault. This bill will raise the penalty for an assault on a local code enforcement officer, while in the performance of duty where there is bodily injury, from a misdemeanor of the second degree to a felony of the second degree. Title 18 provides that assault against specific individuals is considered aggravated assault. A simple assault is graded as a misdemeanor of the second degree, but an assault against an individual within those enumerated protected classes is treated as an aggravated assault. The grading of an aggravated assault where there is bodily injury under Title 18 is a felony of the second degree. Title 18 already provides that constables, teachers, parking enforcement officers and public utility employees are members of this protected class. I believe it is important to protect those who, while trying to enforce the law or local ordinance, are often placed in the position of telling people "no", and many of these individuals can be very hostile. I appreciate your support in joining me in cosponsoring this legislation. Thank you.

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