Rep. Stanley, MA House Pass Legislation to Protect Public Transit Workers from Assault

BOSTON – On Wednesday, October 22, 2025, the Massachusetts House of Representatives passed 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.

“Our transit workers are a critical part of our public transit system, ensuring reliable service across the Commonwealth and helping so many residents get where they need to go,” said Representative Thomas M. Stanley (D-Waltham). “This legislation reaffirms our continued commitment to these essential employees – their safety is paramount.”

"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 Carmens 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."

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.

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