CT SB00462

Removes public transit employees from the general "assault of public safety, emergency medical, or health care personnel" statute (Section 53a-167c) and establishes a separate offense for assaulting public transit employees under Section 53a-167e.

Defines "public transit employee" to include persons employed by the state, political subdivisions, transit districts, or contractors providing ferry service, fixed-route bus service, or public rail service (train operators, conductors, inspectors, signal persons, station agents).

Establishes "assault of a public transit employee" as a Class C felony with a maximum fine of $20,000, including acts such as causing physical injury, throwing objects or bodily fluids, using chemical agents, or threatening with weapons.

Adds a specific provision that threatening or displaying a knife, box-cutter, or firearm during an assault on a public transit employee constitutes aggravated assault.

Takes effect October 1, 2022 and consolidates statutory provisions relating to assaults on public transit employees into a dedicated statute.