The bill H.255 aims to enhance criminal penalties for assaults against public transit workers, recognizing them as protected professionals under Vermont law. It amends 13 V.S.A. § 1028 to include public transit workers in the definition of "protected professional," which previously encompassed law enforcement officers, firefighters, health care workers, employees of the Department for Children and Families, and emergency medical personnel. The bill stipulates that individuals convicted of simple or aggravated assault against a public transit worker while they are performing their lawful duties will face increased penalties, including up to one year of imprisonment for a first offense and up to ten years for subsequent offenses.

Additionally, the bill introduces specific definitions for public transit workers, categorizing them as either drivers or employees supporting transit riders at transit centers. It also maintains provisions regarding the intentional exposure of bodily fluids to protected professionals and considers the mental health status of defendants during sentencing. The act is set to take effect upon passage, reinforcing the state's commitment to safeguarding public transit workers from violence.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 13-1028