State Representative Lipper-Garabedian Joins Massachusetts Legislature to Pass Legislation to Protect Public Transit Workers from Assault

Bill strengthens protections for public transit workers by expanding current laws
on assault and battery against public employees

(BOSTON—11/25/2025) State Representative Lipper-Garabedian joined the Massachusetts Legislature yesterday to pass 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.

“The Commonwealth’s transit workers oversee essential daily operations for residents in our cities and towns, including in the 32nd Middlesex District,” said State Representative Kate Lipper-Garabedian (D-Melrose). “No one should be fearful to enter their place of work, and this critical legislation enhances protections for our transit workers so that they can continue to carry out necessary services that allow our everyday lives to run smoothly. Thank you to Speaker Mariano and Chair Day for your leadership on this necessary legislation.”

“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.”

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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