House Bill 13-41 amends criminal penalties to elevate certain simple-assault offenses to a felony when they are committed against hospital workers “engaged in essential patient care.” The Senate passed the bill with a final tally of 37 ayes, 8 nays and 2 absent.

Senator Larson presented the bill as part of a continuing effort to protect workers who cannot step away from a patient in the course of providing care. He and other proponents said medical staff, emergency department and inpatient personnel are uniquely unable to retreat and should receive heightened protection. Supporters cited instances of staff being struck, grabbed or otherwise assaulted while treating patients and said the change would deter attacks and protect continuity of care.

Opponents—including Senator Meerdal—objected to the bill’s broad wording. Meerdal noted the bill applies to a wide range of “hospital workers engaged in essential patient care,” which is not defined in statute; he warned the list of protected professions has grown in prior sessions and that the new language could expand criminal penalties unevenly across occupations. Several senators asked whether certain nonclinical roles (for example, environmental services, food service or maintenance staff) might be swept in because “essential patient care” is not defined.

Supporters responded by saying the change is targeted to situations where staff cannot safely leave a patient’s side and emphasized the practical need to protect caregivers and patients alike. After debate, the measure passed and will proceed to further processing consistent with Senate procedure.