By Bob Katzen
The House 160-0, approved and sent to the Senate legislation that would expand the current law which punishes anyone who commits assault and battery against a public employee.
Current law applies to attempts to disarm a police officer; assault and battery upon a police officer; and assault and battery on a public employee when they are engaged in the performance of their duties.
The bill would specifically add assault and battery on transit workers to the current law. It also provides that the assault in any of these cases can be by use of a bodily substance such as spitting or throwing substances like urine.
“Our transit workers provide critical services all over the commonwealth, yet are many times assaulted by the very customers they serve,” said sponsor Rep. Joe McGonagle (D-Everett). “I am so thrilled to have this bill passed to provide our transit workers with the protections they deserve. The right to feel safe and supported on the job is just that, a right. I’m also extremely grateful to the brave men and women who came forward to share their stories.”
“Our public transit system runs because of the dedication of workers who show up every day to serve us,” said Rep. Mike Day (D-Stoneham), House Chair of the Committee on the Judiciary. “Today we affirmed the House’s continued commitment to protect those workers who are essential to the success of the commonwealth and our everyday lives.”
“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 the 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.”
(A “Yes” vote is for the bill.)
Rep. Christine Barber Yes Rep. Mike Connolly Yes Rep. Paul Donato Yes Rep. Erika Uyterhoeven Yes