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SF2924 (Legislative Session 94 (2025-2026))

Fourth-degree assault crime related to transit operators expansion to include transportation network company drivers

Related bill: HF640

AI Generated Summary

Purpose of the Bill

The purpose of this bill is to enhance the safety of transit operators by expanding the legal protections afforded to them under Minnesota's assault laws. The bill aims to extend the scope of criminal penalties for assaults against transit operators to include drivers working for transportation network companies (like Uber and Lyft).

Main Provisions

  • Expansion of Fourth-Degree Assault: The bill proposes to classify assaults against drivers of transportation network companies (TNCs) as a gross misdemeanor, similar to the existing law for other transit operators.

  • Definition of Transit Operators: It broadens the definition of "transit operators" to include not only traditional public transit workers but also TNC drivers. This includes those providing services via personal vehicles under the umbrella of a transportation network company.

  • Penalties: Individuals found guilty of assaulting a transit operator, now including TNC drivers, can face up to 364 days in jail, a fine of up to $3,000, or both.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

  • Inclusion of TNC Drivers: Previously, the law covered only operators of traditional transit services like buses and trains. This amendment recognizes TNC drivers as official transit operators, thereby subjecting offenders to the same penalties for assault as they would face if they assaulted traditional transit workers.

Relevant Terms

  • Fourth-Degree Assault
  • Transit Operators
  • Transportation Network Companies (TNCs)
  • Gross Misdemeanor
  • Public Safety
  • Driver Protection

Bill text versions

Actions

DateChamberWhereTypeNameCommittee Name
March 23, 2025SenateFloorActionIntroduction and first reading
March 23, 2025SenateFloorActionReferred toJudiciary and Public Safety

Citations

 
[
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Transportation network company drivers are included as transit operators."
      ],
      "removed": [
        ""
      ],
      "summary": "This bill expands the crime of fourth-degree assault related to transit operators by including transportation network company drivers under section 609.2231 subdivision 11.",
      "modified": [
        "Definition of transit operator expanded to include those working for transportation network companies."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "609.2231",
    "subdivision": "subdivision 11"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        ""
      ],
      "removed": [
        ""
      ],
      "summary": "This bill references section 174.22 subdivision 7 to define public transportation services included in the expanded definition of transit operators.",
      "modified": [
        "Reference to public transportation definition for clarification."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "174.22",
    "subdivision": "subdivision 7"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        ""
      ],
      "removed": [
        ""
      ],
      "summary": "This bill references section 473.386 to include special transportation services under the definition of operators affected by the expansion.",
      "modified": [
        "Reference to special transportation services under Metropolitan Council included."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "473.386",
    "subdivision": ""
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        ""
      ],
      "removed": [
        ""
      ],
      "summary": "This bill references section 65B.472, subdivision 1, to expand the definition of transit operator to include those driving personal vehicles for transportation network companies.",
      "modified": [
        "Reference to subsection supporting inclusion of transportation network company drivers as transit operators."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "65B.472",
    "subdivision": "subdivision 1"
  }
]

Sponsors