Michigan House Bill HB4520

Michigan 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 5/4/23
• Refer: 5/4/23
• Report Pass: 6/20/23
• Engrossed: 6/27/23
• Refer: 6/28/23
• Report Pass: 10/24/23
• Refer: 10/24/23
• Enrolled: 11/2/23
• Chaptered: 12/31/23
• Passed: 12/31/23

Caption

Crimes: assaultive; penalties for certain kinds of assault; modify. Amends secs. 81 & 81a of 1931 PA 328 (MCL 750.81 & 750.81a). TIE BAR WITH: HB 4521'23

Impact

If passed, this legislation would advance the penalties associated with assaults on health professionals within the state. The modification to the existing legal framework seeks to provide better protection for individuals working in healthcare who often face increased risks regarding their personal safety while performing their duties. The requirement for hospitals and health facilities to post notifications about these increased penalties could also serve as a preventive measure, bringing awareness to the importance of safeguarding those in the medical field.

Summary

House Bill 4520 aims to amend the assault laws in Michigan, particularly in relation to assaults against health professionals and medical volunteers. The bill proposes an enhanced penalty for those who commit assault or battery against a health professional or medical volunteer while they are performing their duties. For such offenses, violators would face a misdemeanor charge with a possible imprisonment of up to 93 days or a fine of $1,000, an increase from the standard punishment for general assault. Additionally, if prior offenses are committed against specific protected individuals such as former spouses or individuals in a domestic relationship, the bill outlines potentially more severe penalties.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB 4520 appears largely supportive, particularly from constituents and advocates for health workers who emphasize the need for increased protections within the healthcare environment. However, such legislative advancements may also attract opposition from civil liberties advocates who could argue that the enhanced penalties might not address the root causes of violence or may be seen as excessively punitive.

Contention

A notable point of contention is the balance between providing adequate protections for healthcare providers while ensuring that individuals' rights are not being infringed upon in domestic situations. Critics may voice concerns that applying stricter penalties universally could deter individuals from seeking help in precarious situations, or create disparities in the way domestic situations are judged compared to other forms of assault. The bill's proponents, however, argue that healthcare providers deserve specific protections given their critical role in society.