Bill > H0255

This bill amends Vermont law to increase criminal penalties for assaulting a public transit worker, expanding the definition of "protected professionals" to specifically include drivers and employees who support transit riders. Under the new provisions, if someone commits a simple or aggravated assault against a public transit worker while they are performing their lawful duties, the offender will face heightened criminal penalties: for a first offense, they can be imprisoned up to one year, and for second or subsequent offenses, they can be imprisoned up to 10 years. The bill also adds a specific definition for "public transit worker" that covers both transit drivers (employees or volunteers) and employees who support riders at transit centers. Additionally, the law maintains existing provisions about intentionally exposing protected professionals to bodily fluids, which can result in up to one year of imprisonment or a fine of up to $1,000, or both. The bill includes a provision that requires courts to consider whether the defendant was a patient with a psychiatric illness when determining sentencing, and it will take effect immediately upon passage.

Justice

https://legislature.vermont.gov/bill/status/2026/H.255