HF640

Purpose

• Expand the protection against assault to include transportation network company drivers (rideshare drivers) by adding them to the category of transit operators who are protected under the fourth-degree assault statute.

Main provisions

• Amend Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 609.2231, subdivision 11, to apply to transit operators who are assaulted or have bodily fluids thrown or transferred onto them, while the operator is performing duties and operating a transit vehicle.
• Define “transit operator” to include:
  • drivers or operators of transit vehicles used for public transportation,
  • light rail transit service,
  • special transportation service (as defined in the statute or provided under contract with the Metropolitan Council),
  • commuter rail service, and
  • transportation in a personal vehicle through a transportation network company (TNC) driver.
• Penalty for the offense remains a gross misdemeanor, with potential punishment of up to 364 days in jail and/or a fine of up to $3,000 (or both).

Significant changes / Effects

• The bill explicitly adds transportation network company drivers (rideshare drivers) to the list of individuals treated as transit operators for purposes of the assault statute.
• Expands the range of on-duty individuals protected from assault or bodily fluids being transferred onto them while performing duties in connection with transit services or TNC-provided transportation.

Definitions and scope notes

• "Transit operator" now encompasses both traditional transit workers (public buses, light rail, commuter rail, and contracted services) and TNC drivers working under a transportation network company arrangement.
• The protection applies when the operator is acting in the course of duties and is operating or responsible for a transit vehicle.

Relevant Terms - gross misdemeanor - assault - transit operator - bodily fluids - transit vehicle - public transportation - light rail - special transportation service - commuter rail - transportation network company (TNC) - rideshare driver - Metropolitan Council - 65B.472 subdivision 1 paragraph m - Minnesota Statutes 2024 section 609.2231, subdivision 11 - on duty / in the course of duties