Press Room

Today, 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.

“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,” said House Speaker Ronald J. Mariano (D-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.”

“Our public transit system runs because of the dedication of workers who show up every day to serve us,” said Representative Michael S. Day (D-Stoneham), House Chair of the Joint 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.”

“Our transit workers provide critical services all over the Commonwealth, yet are many times assaulted by the very customers they serve.  I am so thrilled to have this bill passed to provide our transit workers with the protections they deserve,” said Representative Joseph W. McGonagle (D-Everett). “The right to feel safe and supported on the job is just that, a right. I’m grateful today that my colleagues in the House can join me in supporting this right. I’m also extremely grateful to the brave men and women who came forward to share their stories. Thank you especially to Mr. Speaker, Chair Day and all those who helped get this bill passed.”

"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.