Bill > HB1989

This bill amends the existing Washington state law on third-degree assault (RCW 9A.36.031) to expand protections for transit employees and contractors. The key change involves broadening the definition of who is protected when assaulted while performing official duties. Specifically, the bill removes specific job titles (like transit operator, driver, supervisor, mechanic, or security officer) and replaces them with more inclusive language that covers anyone employed by or working under contract with a public or private transit company or transit service provider. This means that a wider range of transit workers will now be legally protected under the assault statute. The bill maintains that assaulting such a person while they are performing their official duties is considered third-degree assault, which remains classified as a class C felony. The modification appears intended to ensure that all transit workers, regardless of their specific job title or employment arrangement, receive equal legal protection from assault while performing their work duties.

Housing and Urban Affairs

https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=1989&Year=2025&Initiative=false