1.1 	A bill for an act
1.2 	relating to public safety; enhancing the penalty for assaulting a police officer; 
1.3 	amending Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 609.2231, subdivision 1.
1.4 	BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:

1.5 	Section 1. Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 609.2231, subdivision 1, is amended to read:
1.6 		Subdivision 1.Peace officers. (a) As used in this subdivision, "peace officer" means a 
1.7 	person who is licensed under section 626.845, subdivision 1, and effecting a lawful arrest 
1.8 	or executing any other duty imposed by law.
1.9 	(b) Whoever physically assaults a peace officer is guilty of a ~~gross misdemeanor~~ felony 
1.10 	and may be sentenced to imprisonment for not more than two years or to payment of a fine 
1.11 	of not more than $4,000, or both.
1.12 	(c) Whoever commits either of the following acts against a peace officer is guilty of a 
1.13 	felony and may be sentenced to imprisonment for not more than three years or to payment 
1.14 	of a fine of not more than $6,000, or both: (1) physically assaults the officer if the assault 
1.15 	inflicts demonstrable bodily harm; or (2) intentionally throws or otherwise transfers bodily 
1.16 	fluids or feces at or onto the officer.

1.17 	EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective August 1, 2023, and applies to violations 
1.18 	committed on or after that date.