SJR 93 - This constitutional amendment, if approved by the voters, provides that a person commits the offense of assault against a first responder if he or she attempts to kill or knowingly causes or attempts to cause serious physical injury to a first responder. A person who commits the offense of assault against a first responder shall be guilty of a class A felony. A first responder shall include law enforcement officers, certain health care personnel, and members of the national guard when deployed in this state.

Additionally, this constitutional amendment provides that a claim for compensation for a first responder or member of the national guard killed in the line of duty may be filed by the survivors of the deceased as provided in this constitutional amendment. The amount of compensation paid shall be $50,000 for a death of a first responder or member of the national guard after December 31, 2024.

Finally, a surcharge of $20 shall be assessed as costs in each court proceeding filed in any court in all criminal cases, except when the case is dismissed against a defendant, and funds collected shall be deposited into the "Line of Duty Compensation Fund" or any other fund used solely for paying claims of first responders or members of the national guard killed in the line of duty.

This act is identical to HJR 134 (2024).

MARY GRACE PRINGLE