SENATE BILL REPORT

SSB 6255

BYSenate Committee on Law & Justice (originally sponsored by Senators Nelson, Talmadge, Bailey, Anderson, Hayner, Johnson, Sutherland, McCaslin, Warnke and Patrick)

Increasing penalties for assaulting transit and school bus drivers.

Senate Committee on Law & Justice

Senate Hearing Date(s):January 18, 1990; January 19, 1990

Majority Report:  That Substitute Senate Bill No. 6255 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass.

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

Senate Staff:Jon Carlson (786-7459)

                  March 2, 1990

House Committe on Judiciary

AS PASSED SENATE, FEBRUARY 9, 1990

BACKGROUND:

There is growing concern for the safety of transit operators and school bus operators throughout the state.  In particular, on certain routes of the Metropolitan Municipal Corporation of Seattle (METRO), the drivers and passengers frequently find themselves the target of physical and verbal harassment.  On occasion, these incidents escalate to the point of serious injury.

Legislation is suggested which would specifically address assault of transit operators and school bus drivers during the course of their employment.

SUMMARY:

Assault of a transit operator or school bus driver while that person is in the course of his or her employment is a third degree assault.

Appropriation:    none

Revenue:    none

Fiscal Note:      requested January 16, 1990

Senate Committee - Testified: Mike Redman, Washington Association of Prosecuting Attorneys; Dick Randall, Public School Employees of Washington; Linda Czeisler, METRO

HOUSE AMENDMENT:

Assault of a transit or school bus driver while the driver is operating or in control of a passenger-occupied transit vehicle or school bus is a third degree assault.