Healey signs new bill increasing protections for public transit workers

Governor Maura Healey signed a bill Wednesday that strengthens protections for public transportation workers.

The new legislation makes assaulting a public transit worker punishable by at least 90 days in jail or a $500 fine.

Healey’s Office says, “…this bill creates a heightened penalty for perpetrators of assault and battery against public employees. It also adds public transit workers or any transit worker contracted or employed to operate public transit services to the list of public employees subject to this section. The bill also broadens the definition of assault to include the projection of bodily fluids.”

“This bill is about sending a message,” said Healey. “It’s about creating a culture of safety and respect, creating a culture of dignity and accountability and to making sure