Striking public safety officers with bodily fluids qualifies as assault

Senators passed a bill May 18 that creates a crime of assault with a bodily fluid against a public safety officer — a tactic commonly used by inmates.

Under LB226, introduced by Grand Island Sen. Mike Gloor, a person who intentionally strikes a public safety officer with a bodily fluid could be found guilty of a Class I misdemeanor. If the offender knows he or she is infected with HIV, AIDS or hepatitis B or C, the offense could be a Class IIIA felony.

The bill passed on a 40-5 vote.