Bill expandings current laws on assault and battery against public employees

BOSTON – Last week, State Representative David Biele joined his colleagues in the Massachusetts House of Representatives to pass legislation that strengthens protections for public transit workers by expanding current laws on assault and battery against public employees. The bill, entitled An Act relative to assault and battery upon a transit worker, ensures that transit employees receive the same legal heightened protections as other public employees while performing their jobs.

Current Massachusetts law imposes heightened penalties on individuals for assault and battery against public employees including police officers, firefighters, emergency medical personnel and other government workers.

This bill adds public transit workers to that list. The bill also clarifies and broadens the definition of assault by specifically recognizing that projecting bodily fluids, such as spitting or throwing substances like urine, constitutes assault against a public worker. Under the
House bill, offenders would face a sentence ranging from a minimum of 90 days to 2.5 years in a house of correction, a fine between $500 and $5,000 or both.

“Everyone should feel safe in the workplace and this legislation establishes protections for those who provide crucial services every day across Massachusetts on our public transit systems yet have faced increased attacks and abuse in recent years,” said Rep. Biele. “I was proud to cosponsor this bill and to join my colleagues in House in passing legislation which will help those who serve our communities feel safe, supported and protected in their workplace.”

“We thank the House for voting in favor of this important legislation to protect our MBTA train and bus operators, and all public transit employees,” said Jim Evers, President of Boston Carmen’s Union Local 589.

“Protecting transit workers is essential to maintaining a safe and quality public transportation system. This bill will ensure the safety of the essential workers who keep our communities moving every day. We look forward to swift passage in the Senate so that these vital protections can be signed into state law to safeguard transit workers for generations to come.”

Having passed the House of Representatives 160-0, the bill now goes to the Senate for consideration.