House Co-Sponsorship Memoranda

NEW!

Subscribe to receive notifications of new Co-Sponsorship Memos circulated

By Member | By Date | Keyword Search

House of Representatives
Session of 2019 - 2020 Regular Session

MEMORANDUM

Posted:	February 14, 2019 10:44 AM
From:	Representative Peter Schweyer
To:	All House members
Subject:	Clarifying the Penalty for Aggravated Assault against Public Transportation Employees

Although often overlooked, our transit workers – those men and women who operate buses, trains and streetcars – have experienced a rash of violence against them that is only increasing. And when a bus driver, for example, is assaulted while operating a 35 foot bus loaded with passengers, not only is the driver at risk, but so are the riders, other drivers and pedestrians. Currently, aggravated assault protections for public employees exist, but do not extend to transportation company employees. That is why I intend to reintroduce HB 986 from the 2017-2018 Legislative Session. My bill would help protect these vulnerable workers, their passengers, and the public at large by ensuring that aggravated assault of a transportation company employee carries a penalty of a felony of the first or second degree. Assaults on transit workers are occurring in every part of the Commonwealth and it is time for the General Assembly to help protect these hard working men and women and the public whom they serve. I hope you will join me to be a co-sponsor of this important legislation.

---