A bill for an act relating to assaults, including assaults on persons engaged in certain occupations and inmate assaults on department of corrections employees, and providing penalties.(See HF 177.)
Impact
The proposal not only amends existing laws regarding the classification of assaults but also introduces harsher penalties for those convicted of such crimes. With the new definitions and increased consequences, an assault resulting in bodily harm, especially in a correctional context, escalates to a Class D felony. Additionally, the inclusion of saliva as a bodily fluid relevant to assault charges underlines a growing recognition of the dangers faced by personnel working in high-stress environments, such as prisons and jails.
Summary
House Study Bill 24 (HSB24) addresses assaults against individuals in certain occupations, particularly those involving law enforcement and correctional facilities. The bill aims to strengthen penalties for various forms of assaults, specifically when the victim is aware of their professional role during the incident. It establishes that an assault against these individuals can be categorized as a Class C felony if the assaulter intends to cause serious injury while knowing the victim's occupation. This revised classification aims to provide a greater deterrent against violence towards public servants.
Contention
Discussions surrounding HSB24 reveal a balance of advocacy for stronger protections for public employees against concerns over the implications of escalating penalties. Supporters argue that the legislation is necessary to protect those who serve and maintain public safety; however, some opposition voices question whether increasing penalties will effectively deter violence or simply contribute to an expanding prison population. The tension between safeguarding public workers and the potential overreach of penal legislation captures a broader societal debate about crime, punishment, and the rights of individuals within the justice system.
Replaced by
A bill for an act relating to assaults, including assaults on persons engaged in certain occupations and inmate assaults on department of corrections employees, and providing penalties.(Formerly HSB 24.)
Replaced by
A bill for an act relating to assaults, including assaults on persons engaged in certain occupations and inmate assaults on department of corrections employees, and providing penalties. (Formerly SSB 1058.) Effective date: 07/01/2025.
Related
A bill for an act relating to assaults, including assaults on persons engaged in certain occupations and inmate assaults on department of corrections employees, and providing penalties.(See SF 397.)
A bill for an act relating to assaults, including assaults on persons engaged in certain occupations and inmate assaults on department of corrections employees, and providing penalties.(See SF 397.)
A bill for an act relating to assaults, including assaults on persons engaged in certain occupations and inmate assaults on department of corrections employees, and providing penalties.(Formerly HSB 24.)
A bill for an act relating to assaults, including assaults on persons engaged in certain occupations and inmate assaults on department of corrections employees, and providing penalties. (Formerly SSB 1058.) Effective date: 07/01/2025.
A bill for an act relating to assaults on persons engaged in certain occupations and harassment against public utility employees or contractors, and making penalties applicable.
A bill for an act relating to assaults on persons engaged in certain occupations and harassment against public utility employees or contractors, and making penalties applicable.(See SF 2400.)
A bill for an act relating to assaults on persons engaged in certain occupations and harassment against public utility employees or contractors, and making penalties applicable.(Formerly SSB 3156.)
A bill for an act relating to criminal acts against persons in certain occupations, including testing for communicable diseases for certain persons who have committed an assault against a member of a protected occupation, certain public safety personnel, including confidentiality of peer support communications for public safety officers and civilian employees, and obstructing first responders, and providing penalties. (Formerly HF 2728.)
A bill for an act relating to assaults on persons engaged in certain occupations including a health care provider, and making penalties applicable.(See HF 310.)
A bill for an act relating to assaults on persons engaged in certain occupations including a health care provider, and making penalties applicable. (Formerly HSB 9.) Effective date: 07/01/2025.
A bill for an act relating to testing for communicable diseases for certain persons who have committed an assault against a member of a protected occupation, and including penalties.
Requesting The Governor And The Department Of Health To Engage With The United States Department Of Defense And Other Federal And Military Partners To Explore Establishing A Military-civilian Trauma Partnership To Strengthen The Hawaii Trauma System.
Requesting The Governor And The Department Of Health To Engage With The United States Department Of Defense And Other Federal And Military Partners To Explore Establishing A Military-civilian Trauma Partnership To Strengthen The Hawaii Trauma System.