New law expands protections for transit workers

Transit workers are set to get expanded legal protections against assault and battery, under a bill Gov. Maura Healey signed Wednesday.

The legislation adds transit workers to the list of employees covered under a state law that imposes heightened penalties for assault and battery against public employees.

The bill also makes it clear that assault and battery includes the use of any bodily substance like saliva or urine. Offenders could face a sentence ranging from 90 days to two and a half years in a house of correction, a fine between $500 to $5,000 or both.

The legislation came in response to what House Speaker Ronald Mariano said were "growing concerns from transit agencies and labor advocates about the rising number of attacks on workers."

There were 654 assaults on transit workers last year, William Beradino, vice president of Boston Carmen’s Union Local 589, said during a press conference ahead of the bill signing. And the rate of attacks is increasing. In one recent month, 24 MBTA employees were assaulted, according to a press release from the union, which represents more than 6,000 MBTA workers.

“The days of assaulting public transportation workers without fear or reprisal must come to an end — and this bill will help immensely to that goal,” Beradino said in a statement.

The bill, introduced by Rep. Joseph McGonagle and Sen. Nick Collins, has failed to make it to Healey's desk in recent sessions.

“Here in the state, respect is not optional, and today, with this bill, we say unequivocally and clearly, ‘no more,’ ” Healey said. “Massachusetts will stand firmly behind the people who keep Massachusetts moving.”