SB1382 amends Hawaii’s assault in the second degree statute to add a new protected category for National Guard members. Under the bill, a person commits second-degree assault if they intentionally or knowingly cause bodily injury to a National Guard member who is engaged in the performance of duty. The bill defines “National Guard member” to include a member serving under an order or call of the Governor, the President of the United States, or another proper authority as provided by law.
The measure is framed as a public-safety and personnel-protection bill, placing National Guard members alongside other protected workers already listed in the statute, such as correctional workers, educational workers, emergency medical services providers, firefighters, health care workers, and sports officials. The bill also includes standard provisions stating that it does not affect rights, duties, penalties, or proceedings that arose before its effective date, and it would take effect upon approval.
Impact
SB1382 would amend section 707-711 of the Hawaii Revised Statutes, expanding the list of persons whose intentional or knowing bodily injury constitutes assault in the second degree, which is a class C felony. Its practical effect is to increase criminal exposure for assaults against National Guard members while they are on duty, and to give prosecutors an additional statutory basis to charge such conduct as a felony rather than a lesser offense. The bill does not create a new standalone offense; it modifies the existing assault statute and its protected-victim categories.
Sentiment
The available legislative history suggests broad support and little opposition. The bill passed the Senate Public Safety, Intergovernmental and Military Affairs Committee unanimously and then passed the Senate Judiciary Committee unanimously, both without amendment. No committee transcripts were provided, so there is no recorded floor or hearing debate in the materials, but the voting pattern indicates a generally favorable view of the bill’s purpose and scope.
Contention
No major points of contention are evident in the provided record. The only likely policy question is whether National Guard members should be added to the list of specially protected victims under the assault statute, similar to other public safety and service personnel. Because the bill passed both committees unanimously and unamended, any disagreement appears minimal or absent in the available materials.