SF3946

Purpose

Clarify and strengthen criminal penalties for assaulting transit workers. The bill adds a specific offense under Minnesota law to cover assaults on transit operator workers who are on duty, including actions like throwing or transferring bodily fluids onto them.

Main Provisions

• New offense: Under Minnesota Statutes 2024 section 609.2231 subdivision 11, a person is guilty of a gross misdemeanor if they:
  • Assault a transit operator worker, or intentionally throw or transfer bodily fluids onto a transit operator worker, and
  • The worker is acting in the course of their duties and is operating a transit vehicle or is otherwise responsible for the vehicle or the worker’s duties.
• Penalty: A conviction may result in imprisonment for up to 364 days, a fine of up to $3,000, or both.
• Who counts as a transit operator worker: A driver or operator of a transit vehicle who is an employee, contractor, or volunteer in public transportation or transit (as defined by Minnesota law). This includes:
  • Public transportation services (as defined in statute)
  • Light rail transit service
  • Special transportation service (under the applicable section)
  • Commuter rail service
  • Coverage applies whether provided by the Metropolitan Council or other providers under contract

Significant Changes to Existing Law

• Adds a new gross-misdemeanor offense specifically protecting transit operator workers from assault and bodily-fluid contact.
• Expands the scope of protected individuals to include a broad range of transit workers across various modes (bus, light rail, commuter rail, and specialized transit) and across multiple providers.
• Sets explicit penalties (up to 364 days in jail and up to $3,000 fine) for such offenses.

Additional Notes

• The offense applies when the transit operator worker is on duty and performing duties, and the offender’s actions involve assault or transfer of bodily fluids onto the worker.

Relevant Terms

• gross misdemeanor
• assault
• transit operator worker
• bodily fluids
• transit vehicle
• on duty / in the course of duties
• public transportation
• light rail transit service
• special transportation service
• commuter rail service
• Metropolitan Council
• Minnesota Statutes 2024 609.2231 subdivision 11
• penalty (imprisonment up to 364 days, fine up to $3,000)