SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 5067

BYSenators Pullen and Talmadge

Changing criminal penalties for assault of a transit operator and rider safety.

Senate Committee on Law & Justice

Senate Hearing Date(s):January 10, 1989; January 16, 1989

Majority Report:  That Substitute Senate Bill No. 5067 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass.

      Signed by Senators Pullen, Chairman; McCaslin, Vice Chairman; Hayner, Nelson, Newhouse, Niemi, Rasmussen, Rinehart, Talmadge, Thorsness.

Senate Staff:Jon Carlson (786-7459)

                  January 16, 1989

AS REPORTED BY COMMITTEE ON LAW & JUSTICE, JANUARY 16, 1989

BACKGROUND:

Concern exists for the safety of bus drivers and passengers on certain routes of the metropolitan municipal corporation of Seattle (METRO).  METRO drivers and passengers frequently find themselves the target of physical and verbal harassment, which on occasion escalates to the point of serious injury.

Legislation is suggested which would raise the criminal penalty for assault of a bus driver.  In addition, it is recommended that METRO investigate ways of minimizing the security problems that now jeopardize the personal safety of METRO drivers and riders.

SUMMARY:

Assault of a transit operator or driver while that person is operating or in control of a vehicle owned or operated by the transit company is raised from third degree assault (Class C felony) to second degree assault (Class B felony).

The metropolitan municipal corporation of Seattle must conduct a study to determine ways of increasing driver and rider safety, and submit its findings and recommendations to the Senate Law and Justice Committee and the House Judiciary Committee by January 1, 1990.

EFFECT OF PROPOSED SUBSTITUTE:

Assault of a transit officer or driver while that person is in the course of his or her employment is a third degree assault (class C felony).

The language requiring METRO to conduct a study to determine methods of increasing bus driver and rider safety is deleted.

Appropriation:    none

Revenue:    none

Fiscal Note:      requested January 10, 1989

Senate Committee - Testified: Linda Sizeler, METRO