OLR Bill Analysis

HB 6276

AN ACT INCREASING FINES AND PENALTIES FOR CERTAIN OFFENSES COMMITTED AGAINST A TRANSIT WORKER IN CONNECTICUT.

SUMMARY:

This bill requires imposition of an enhanced penalty for specified criminal acts committed on a transit worker performing his or her duties. It requires the offender to be fined or imprisoned up to 150% of whatever the maximum fine or prison term would be for the subject criminal act. Criminal acts subject to the enhanced penalty if committed against a transit worker include:

The bill defines a “transit worker” as an employee of any transit authority, municipal transit district, regional planning organization, or other entity that provides pubic transit services by rail, bus, or ferry in Connecticut and that is recognized by the American Public Transportation Association.

EFFECTIVE DATE: October 1, 2009

BACKGROUND

The American Public Transportation Association (APTA)

APTA is an international trade association with members from many areas associated with delivery of public transportation services, including service and system providers; government agencies and transportation departments; metropolitan planning organizations; academic institutions; private organizations involved in planning, designing, constructing, financing, supplying and operating transit systems; and trade publications. APTA's process for “recognizing” a transit service provider is unclear, but it would most likely involve membership in the association through one or more of its several membership categories.

COMMITTEE ACTION

Transportation Committee

Joint Favorable