MO HB776

Establishes three new crimes under Chapter 565, RSMo: assault of a mass transit system employee in the first, second, and third degree, each with specific penalties and circumstances.

First-degree assault occurs when a person attempts to kill or knowingly causes serious physical injury to a mass transit employee while performing job duties; classified as a class B felony.

Second-degree assault includes seven scenarios such as causing physical injury with a deadly weapon, reckless serious injury, intoxicated operation of a vehicle causing injury, or creating substantial risk of death; classified as class C felony (or class B felony for certain subsections).

Third-degree assault includes recklessly causing physical injury, purposely placing an employee in apprehension of immediate physical injury, or knowingly causing physical contact without consent; classified as a class B misdemeanor.

Defines "mass transit system" to include employees of public bus and light rail companies for all three offense levels.