Press Room

The Massachusetts Legislature yesterday passed legislation to strengthen protections for public transit workers by expanding laws on assault and battery against public employees.

The bill, H.4645, An Act relative to assault and battery upon a transit worker, ensures that all transit employees receive the same heightened legal protections as other public employees while performing their jobs, whether employed directly by public transit agencies or employed by private contractors such as commuter rail operators.

“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 and our partners in the Senate for recognizing the importance of this bill.”

“Public transit workers deserve protection from disrespect, harm, and violence, and today the Legislature acted to deliver those protections,” said Senate President Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland). “When public transit workers can do their jobs without worrying about their safety, it benefits every single resident and business that relies on our public transportation infrastructure every day. I’d like to thank Senator Collins for leading on this issue, Chairs Rodrigues and Edwards for prioritizing this legislation, my Senate colleagues, and Speaker Mariano and our colleagues in the House for moving this forward.”

“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 public transit workers have the right to feel safe, secure and protected at the workplace,” said Senator Michael J. Rodrigues (D-Westport), Chair of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means. “Thanks to my colleges in the Senate and our partners in the House, the Legislature has acted swiftly to pass this meaningful bill, moving it to Governor Healey’s desk for her signature. The adoption of this law would strengthen penalties for any assaults on transit employees, ultimately fostering a safer environment for employees and passengers alike.”

“When this bill came before the Judiciary Committee, we heard directly from transit workers whose daily commitment keeps our Commonwealth moving despite real risks to their safety,” said Senator Lydia Edwards (D-East Boston), Senate Chair of the Joint Committee on the Judiciary.  “Today’s passage is a strong affirmation that no one should face violence simply for doing their job. I’m proud that the Legislature is taking meaningful action to extend long-overdue protections to the men and women who keep our transit system running, and I’m grateful to my colleagues for recognizing the urgency of this reform. I’d like to thank Senate President Spilka and Speaker of the House Mariano for their leadership and to Senator Collins for leading on this issue.”

“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 that both the House and Senate prioritized this important issue,” Representative Joseph W. McGonagle (D-Everett). “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 Governor Healey signing this bill swiftly. Thank you especially to Mr. Speaker, Chair Day, my colleagues in the Senate and all those who helped get this bill passed.”

“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. Their commitment keeps our cities moving, even under challenging and unpredictable circumstances,” said Senator Nick Collins (D-South Boston). “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. 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.”

This bill adds public transit workers to the list of public employees—including police officers, firefighters, and emergency medical personnel—who are protected from assault and battery with heightened penalties for any individual who commits such a crime.

Additionally, it applies the law to assaults on privately employed contractors who provide public transit services, such as the Keolis operators and ticket collectors who operate the commuter rail. The bill also clarifies 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 two and a half years in a house of correction, a fine between $500 and $5,000, or both.

The bill was enacted by both chambers of the Legislature and now advances to the Governor for her signature.

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Statement of Jim Evers, President of the Boston Carmen’s Union Local 589

“This is a significant victory for everyone who rides or operates public transit. Our MBTA bus and train operators deserve to be safe on the job and commuters deserve to know that public transportation is safe. This bill will ensure that those who assault public transit workers will be held accountable and that our valued transportation employees are protected. Our transit workers keep Massachusetts moving every day and deserve our utmost respect. This legislation adds transportation personnel to the list of public employees who need extra protections so they can do their job safely and efficiently and improve our communities for all.”