1.1 	A bill for an act
1.2 	relating to criminal justice; clarifying the fourth degree assault crime; amending 
1.3 	Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 609.2231, subdivision 1.
1.4 	BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:

1.5 	Section 1. Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 609.2231, subdivision 1, is amended to read:
1.6 		Subdivision 1.Peace officers. (a) As used in this subdivision, "peace officer" means 
1.7 	a person who is licensed under section 626.845, subdivision 1, and effecting a lawful 
1.8 	arrest or executing any other duty imposed by law.
1.9 	(b) Whoever physically assaults a peace officer licensed under section 626.845, 
1.10 	subdivision 1, when that officer is effecting a lawful arrest or executing any other duty 
1.11 	imposed by law is guilty of a gross misdemeanor and may be sentenced to imprisonment 
1.12 	for not more than one year or to payment of a fine of not more than $3,000, or both. 
1.13 	(c) Whoever commits either of the following acts against a peace officer is guilty 
1.14 	of a felony and may be sentenced to imprisonment for not more than three years or to 
1.15 	payment of a fine of not more than $6,000, or both: (1) physically assaults the officer if 
1.16 	the assault inflicts demonstrable bodily harm;  or the person (2) intentionally throws or 
1.17 	otherwise transfers bodily fluids or feces at or onto the officer, the person is guilty of a 
1.18 	felony and may be sentenced to imprisonment for not more than three years or to payment 
1.19 	of a fine of not more than $6,000, or both.

1.20 	EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective August 1, 2016, and applies to crimes 
1.21 	committed on or after that date.