Rep. Jack Lewis Votes to Protect Public Transit Workers

(Framingham - October 23) Yesterday, Representative Jack Patrick Lewis joined his House colleagues in approving legislation that strengthens protections for public transit workers by expanding current laws on assault and battery against public employees. The bill, 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.

“We’ve seen far too many examples of transit workers being disturbed, harassed, and assaulted while carrying out their jobs, which are essential to the day-to-day life of our Commonwealth,” noted Rep. Jack Patrick Lewis (Framingham). “I am optimistic that this action will help curb all forms of provocation against transit employees, and I thank House leadership and my House colleagues for taking action on this vital issue.”

“This bill responds to growing concerns from transit agencies and labor advocates about the rising number of attacks on workers, making the passage of this legislation critical,” expressed House Speaker Ronald J. Mariano (Quincy). “The House remains committed to protecting workers and supporting those who serve the Commonwealth in essential roles. I’m grateful to Chairman Day and Chairman McGonagle for their hard work, and to all my colleagues in the House for recognizing the importance of this bill.”

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

###