By Bob Katzen
The House and Senate approved and sent to Gov. Healey legislation that would expand the current law which punishes anyone who commits assault and battery against a public employee including police officers, firefighters and emergency medical personnel. The bill ensures that all transit workers are covered, including those who are not directly employed by the state, such as workers employed by Keolis, the state’s contracted commuter rail operator. The bill would also add “assault and battery by means of a bodily substance including saliva, blood or urine” to the current law.
“Transit workers are among the most essential employees of our commonwealth, carrying out the steady and often unseen work that allows tens of thousands of people to travel safely and reliably each day,” said Senate sponsor Sen. Nick Collins (D-South Boston). “Their commitment keeps our cities moving, even under challenging and unpredictable circumstances. When the rights and safety of these workers are impinged upon, it is an affront to the invaluable service they provide and the trust the public places in them.”
Collins continued, “We must remain vigilant in safeguarding their wellbeing as they encounter nearly every facet of public life in this line of work. With the passage of this legislation, strengthening protections and expanding the definition of what constitutes an assault against a transit worker, we are sending a clear message that we do not take their hard work for granted and that we stand firmly behind those who keep our commonwealth connected.”
“Our transit workers provide critical services all over the commonwealth, yet are many times assaulted by the very customers they serve,” said House sponsor Rep. Joe McGonagle (D-Everett). “I am so thrilled that both the House and Senate prioritized this important issue. 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. I look forward to Gov. Healey signing this bill swiftly.”