Governor Newsom Signs Assemblywoman Wilson’s AB 394 to Protect Transit Workers and Riders

• Edgar Guerra
• Communications Director
• 916-319-2011
• [email protected]

SACRAMENTO, CA - Assemblywoman Lori D. Wilson (D-Suisun City) announced that AB 394 has been signed into law, providing important protections for California's transit operators and riders alike. The measure strengthens penalties for those who assault or harass transit employees and equips agencies with tools to improve safety across public transportation systems.

"California's transit workers show up every day to serve our communities, and they deserve to be protected in the same way workers are protected in any other workplace," said Assemblywoman Wilson. "AB 394 will make our transit systems safer and more reliable for workers and riders alike. I want to thank Governor Newsom for signing this bill into law, and to recognize our sponsors for their steadfast advocacy on behalf of transit safety."

Sponsor Statements
"Safe and efficient transit service is critical to maintaining and growing our ridership and retaining our workforce," said Matt Robinson, Legislative Advocate for the California Transit Association. "AB 394 will enhance the penalties when individuals harm our workers and our riders and will give our agencies more tools they can use to keep our systems safe. We would like to thank Assemblywoman Wilson and our partners in transit labor for their work with us on this measure."

"On behalf of the California Conference Board of the Amalgamated Transit Union, I am proud to congratulate Assemblywoman Lori Wilson on her leadership in authoring AB 394, and to thank Governor Newsom for signing this important legislation into law," said Jeff Shaffer, Chairman of the California Conference Board of the Amalgamated Transit Union and President of ATU Local 1277 in Los Angeles. "AB 394 strengthens protections against assaults and harassment on public transit, giving our members greater safety and peace of mind while serving the public. For these reasons, we were proud to co-sponsor AB 394 along with the California Transit Association and Teamsters."

"SMART Transportation Division (SMART-TD) thanks Assemblywoman Wilson for her leadership in protecting transportation workers. Transit employees frequently face threats of violence - and these incidents have steadily climbed over the past several years. Unfortunately, existing laws intended to protect transit employees have proven too narrow and insufficient," said Louie Costa, Safety and Legislative Director for SMART-Transportation Division. "AB 394 promotes safer transit environments for both riders and workers. This bill empowers transit agencies and courts with additional tools to deter harmful behavior and enhance safety across California's public transportation systems. SMART-TD also thanks Governor Newsom for acknowledging the need for enhanced protection for essential transportation workers in California."

Background

Transit operators across California have increasingly reported incidents of harassment and violence. AB 394 addresses this by reinforcing workplace protections, enhancing penalties for harmful behavior, and supporting transit agencies in keeping both their employees and riders safe.

The bill was co-sponsored by the California Transit Association, the Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU), the Teamsters, and the SMART-Transportation Division (SMART-TD).

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