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House Co-Sponsorship Memoranda
House of Representatives
Session of 2021 - 2022
Regular Session
MEMORANDUM
| Posted: | January 8, 2021 11:19 AM |
|---|---|
| From: | Representative Peter Schweyer |
| To: | All House members |
| Subject: | Clarifying Penalties for Aggravated Assault Against Public Transport Employees |
| Although often overlooked, our transit workers – those men and women who operate the buses, trains, and streetcars that many of us rely on daily – have experienced a rash of violence against them that is only increasing. If, for example, a bus driver is assaulted while operating a 35-foot bus loaded with passengers, not only is the bus 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. To address this, I am introducing legislation that will 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. |
Introduced as HB718