Firefighters and emergency medical personnel trying to help someone can be put in a tough spot when that victim or patient lashes out.
Rep. Matt Grossell (R-Clearbrook) believes violence against them should not be part of their jobs.
He sponsors HF1481, which seeks greater protection and ensures recourse for all hospital workers and firefighters.
Passed 125-0 by the House Wednesday, the bill now goes to the Senate, where Sen. Karin Housley (R-St. Marys Point) is the sponsor.
“Attacks have left these people injured, out of work or afraid to go back to work and they shouldn’t be,” Grossell said. “These people are putting themselves in volatile positions to help others. We need to give them more protection.”
The bill would toughen penalties for someone who assaults firefighters or certain medical personnel by: